Hundreds of protesters gathered near the U.S. Capitol to mark the 76th anniversary of the Nakba, chanting pro-Palestinian slogans and expressing criticism of the Israeli and American governments. Despite the rainy weather, about 400 demonstrators rallied on the National Mall, calling for Palestinian rights and an immediate end to Israeli military operations in Gaza.
The protesters also directed their frustration towards President Joe Biden, accusing him of not doing enough to address the situation in Gaza. The rally was fueled by ongoing anger over the siege of Gaza and the recent Israel-Hamas conflict, which has resulted in significant casualties on both sides.
Speakers at the event highlighted the plight of Palestinian refugees and the need for their right of return, a longstanding issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The rally included a march through the streets of Washington, D.C., with police closing off roads to accommodate the protesters.
One lone counter-protester waving an Israeli flag attempted to join the march but was quickly surrounded by the protesters' safety team. A police officer intervened to de-escalate the situation and escorted the counter-protester away from the rally.
The demonstration underscored the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the strong emotions it evokes among supporters on both sides.
