March on Washington for Gaza

March on Washington for Gaza

Part of 2023 Israel–Hamas war protests in the United States
Date	January 13, 2024 (2024-01-13)
Venue	Freedom Plaza
Location	Washington, D.C., United States
Cause	Response to 2023 Israel–Hamas war
Participants	Tens of thousands to 400,000 (estimated)

The March on Washington for Gaza was a protest on January 13, 2024, in response to the Israel–Hamas war, to call for a ceasefire in the conflict.^[1][2] The march was organized by the American Muslim Task Force for Palestine, Council on American–Islamic Relations (CAIR), and other groups.^[1][2] The date was chosen to coincide nearly 100 days of war.^[3] Similar marches were held around the globe, including in London as part of a global day of protest.^[1]

Background

By January 2024, more than 23,000 Gazans had been killed due to the war.^[4] CAIR had previously sent a letter protesting the war to the White House listing demands, including ceasefire, and calling for Israeli officials to be "held accountable for the Gaza genocide".^[2] During January 2024, South Africa had initiated criminal proceedings at the ICJ against Israel claiming genocide.^[2]

Protest

The protest had been promoted in advance as among the largest pro-Palestinian protests.^[2] The Washington Post states it was the second largest pro-Palestinian event in Washington, after the March for Palestine in 2023.^[3] CAIR claimed more than 400,000 attended the march.^[5] Protestors were bused in from multiple states, including Minnesota and Florida.^[2]

In addition to Palestinian flags and keffiyehs,^[6] protestors also displayed the South African flag, in reference to the ICJ proceedings against Israel led by South Africa.^[1]

The event began as a rally with a series of pro-Palestinian speakers before transitioning into a march.^[3] Additionally to criticizing the war and the loss of civilian life, speakers also spoke out against the US strikes on Houthis in Yemen.^[6] Speakers at the event included both a virtual appearance by Wael Al-Dahdouh, as well as in-person speeches by Cornel West and Jill Stein.^[6] State Rep. Iman Jodeh and former State Department official Josh Paul also spoke.^[3] During events, some protestors laid down on the ground to represent dead bodies from the war.^[1]

The march after the rally moved towards the National Mall into Lafayette Square.^[3] Protestors carried signs criticizing Joe Biden of enabling "genocide".^[4]

Aftermath

Though the march remained peaceful, light graffiti was seen around the area, and at least one protestor attempted to scale a fence close to the White House.^[3]

See also

• List of rallies and protest marches in Washington, D.C.

References