Thousands of people gathered at a pro-Israel rally in Washington DC on Tuesday to show support for Israel's war against Hamas.
Demonstrators carrying the Israeli flag gathered at the capital’s National Mall demanding no ceasefire and release of the hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7 attack which Israeli authorities say killed 1,200 people. Protesters also condemned the rising cases of anti-Semitic attacks in the country.
The rally, which drew an estimated 100,000 people, was organised by the Jewish Federations of North America and Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organisations. Protestors chanted "bring them home" as they waved placards that read "from the river to the sea, is where Israel will always be." The message was in reference to the Palestinian slogan that has been chanted at pro-Palestine marches, "from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free."
However some, including the UK's former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, have branded the slogan antisemitic and claimed that it is “widely understood” to call for the destruction of Israel. Those who defend the slogan describe it as a “long-standing protest chant” that calls for a homeland for the Palestinian people.Speaking at the march, Harriet Schleifer, the chairwoman of the Presidents’ Conference said: “We stand here in a city often divided by partisan lines, but not when it comes to Israel.”
“Democrats and Republicans stand together — supporting the Israeli people as they seek peace, justice and the safe return of hostages.”
The march drew members from both the Republican and Democratic parties such as Senate Majority leader Chuck Schumer, Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries along with Republican House speaker Mike Johnson, who raised the loudest cheers as he told the crowd: “These calls for a ceasefire are outrageous.”
The rally comes after the country saw several large pro-Palestine protests take place over the last few weeks, calling for a ceasefire and urging President Biden to end his support for Israel.
Mr Biden has toned down his robust solidarity with President Netanyahu and urged for restraint as the current death toll in Gaza reaches 11,000 people.
On Wednesday, a vote for ceasefire will take place after the House of Commons vote on the Kings Speech.
The motion put forward by the SNP, proposes the Parliament to, "join the international community in urgently pressing all parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire."
