WASHINGTON (AP) – Thousands of demonstrators converged opposite the White House in Washington, United States (US) on Saturday to call for an end to Israeli military action in Gaza, while children joined a pro-Palestinian march through central London as part of a global day of action against the longest and deadliest war between Israel and Palestinians in 75 years.
People in the US capital held aloft signs questioning President Joe Biden’s viability as a presidential candidate because of his staunch support for Israel in the nearly 100-day war against Hamas. Some of the signs read: “No votes for Genocide Joe”, “Biden has blood on his hands” and “Let Gaza live”.
Dan Devries, a New York resident said he attended the protest because he wants to see a free Gaza, but that he wouldn’t vote for either Biden or possible Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.
“I see this war as part of the US’s drive to offset its economic decline by engaging in continual war,” said Devries.
Jake and Ida Braford, a young couple from Virginia, who brought their two children to the protest, said they were unsure of whether to vote for Biden in November.
“We’re pretty disheartened,” Ida Braford said. “Seeing what is happening in Gaza, and the government’s actions makes me wonder what is our vote worth?”
The plight of children in the Gaza Strip was the focus of the latest London march, symbolised by the appearance of Little Amal, a 3.5-metre puppet originally meant to highlight the suffering of Syrian refugees.
March organisers had said the Palestinian children would accompany Little Amal through the streets of central London.
“On Saturday Amal walks for those most vulnerable and for their bravery and resilience,” said artistic director of The Walk Productions Amir Nizar Zuabi.
Home Secretary James Cleverly said he had been briefed by police commissioner on plans to “ensure order and safety”.
A number of conditions were placed for the march, including a directive that no participant in the protest shall venture near the Israeli Embassy.
The London march was one of several others being held in European cities including Paris, Rome, Milan and Dublin, where thousands also marched to protest Israel’s military operations in the Palestinian enclave.
Protesters waved Palestinian flags, held placards critical of the Irish, US and Israeli governments and chanted, “Free, free Palestine”.
In Rome, demonstrators were seen on a boulevard near the famous Colosseum, with some carrying signs reading, “Stop Genocide”.
Marching protesters waved the Palestinian flag and held aloft placards and banners reading, “From Gaza to Paris. Resistance”.
