In a show of solidarity with the people of Gaza, hundreds gathered outside the Israeli embassy in Washington to denounce Tel Aviv's ongoing military campaign in the region. The demonstrations, held on a rainy Saturday, echoed calls for an end to what many termed as a "war of genocide" against the Gaza Strip.
Amidst the crowd, one protester expressed optimism, stating, "It really gives me hope to see that everyone hasn't just given up. There's still people willing to come out on a dreary day like today, and lend their voices to something positive, something moving towards a solution."
The overarching message of the rally was succinctly captured by another participant who emphasized, "The main message is 'Free Palestine.' Really, that's it. Everybody says it, but it's truly what we want."
The demonstration follows the tragic act of self-immolation by Aaron Bushnell, a 25-year-old active duty member of the US Air Force, outside the embassy. Bushnell's protest, in which he set himself on fire, underscored the deep-seated frustration with the United States' unwavering support for Israel amidst the ongoing conflict.
Israel initiated the war on October 7 in response to Gaza's resistance groups' operation, al-Aqsa Storm, which protested the intensification of Tel Aviv's oppression against Palestinians. Since then, the offensive has resulted in the deaths of over 30,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, with thousands more injured.
Despite international calls for a ceasefire, the US has repeatedly vetoed UN Security Council resolutions aimed at halting the Israeli onslaught. Washington's steadfast backing of Israel further compounds the plight of Palestinians in Gaza, drawing condemnation from human rights organizations and activists worldwide.
