March on Washington for Gaza

For the protest for Palestine held in Washington, D.C., in November 2023, see National March on Washington: Free Palestine.

March on Washington for Gaza

Part of 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 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

See also: Israel–Hamas war protests and Anti-Palestinianism during the Israel–Hamas war

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

1. Kirka, Danica; Hadjicostis, Menelaos; Hussein, Fatima (January 13, 2024). "A global day of protests draws thousands in Washington and other cities in pro-Palestinian marches". AP News. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
2. Helmore, Edward; Yang, Maya (January 13, 2024). "Thousands march on Washington to demand ceasefire in Gaza". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
3. Jackman, Tom; Diaz, Olivia; Williams, Clarence; Heim, Joe (January 14, 2024). "March for Gaza rally draws thousands to D.C. on Saturday". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
4. Turner, Tyrone; Bowman, Emma (January 13, 2024). "Pro-Palestinian demonstrators in D.C. march to demand cease-fire in Gaza". NPR. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
5. Allison, Ismail (January 13, 2024). "CAIR Commends 400,000+ Marchers for Historic Turnout at March on Washington for Gaza". CAIR. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
6. Mayes-Osterman, Cybele; Cuevas, Eduardo (January 13, 2024). "Thousands at Saturday protest in Washington DC call for Israel-Hamas cease-fire". USA Today. Retrieved January 17, 2024.