Topline
Thousands of demonstrators converged in Washington, D.C., on Saturday for a rally demanding a cease-fire in the war-torn Gaza Strip, which has faced a humanitarian crisis amid strikes from Israeli forces following Hamas’ attack on Israel last month.
People converged in Freedom Plaza for the rally in Washington on Saturday. (Photo by Drew … [+] Angerer/Getty Images)
Key Facts
The crowd assembled at Freedom Plaza, near the White House, with buses from as far as Chicago, Tampa and Boston expected to arrive, according to the Washington Post, which reported that organizers estimated upward of 30,000 people would attend the event.
Calls for a cease-fire have been supported by Arab states like Jordan and Lebanon, while more than 100 United Nations members recently supported a non-binding resolution calling for a “humanitarian truce” in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday there would be no cease-fire unless Hamas releases Israeli hostages from the strip.
The Biden administration has pushed for “humanitarian pauses” in the Israel-Hamas conflict to allow for hostage releases and humanitarian aid distribution in Gaza — though the administration has stopped short of calling for an outright cease-fire, citing concerns such a step would allow Hamas to reorganize itself for further attacks.
Similar marches were planned in places like New York City, San Francisco and Seattle on Saturday, according to the New York Times, while authorities estimated some 30,000 demonstrators took to the streets of London, according to the BBC.
A man with Palestinian flag colors painted on his face leads chants at the rally.
A rally participant stands atop a traffic signal.
Children wave the Palestinian flag and hold signs in front of the John A. Wilson building, which … [+] houses the offices of the mayor.
Marchers pause for prayer during the cease-fire rally in Washington.
Crowds gathered at Freedom Plaza, which is near the White House and less than two miles away from … [+] the Capitol Building.
Demonstrators wave Palestinian flags.
People, some wearing the Palestinian keffiyeh scarf, chant during the rally. (Photo by Drew … [+] Angerer/Getty Images)
Further Reading
Biden Administration Will Push Israel For ‘Humanitarian Pauses’ In Hamas Conflict, Report Says (Forbes)
Thousands rally in D.C. in support of Palestinians, cease-fire in Gaza (Washington Post)
