Thousands expected to march on Washington for 'National March of Palestine'

Thousands expected to march on Washington for 'National March of Palestine'
Over 100 human rights groups are expected to attend a national march for Palestine following Israel's bombardment of Gaza.
2 min read
29 May, 2021
Palestine solidarity protesters will march on Washington D.C. on Saturday [Getty]

More than 100 civil and human rights organisations have joined the US Council of Muslim Organisations (USCMO)and other activists to organise a National March for Palestine in Washington DC.

The demonstration will begin on Saturday afternoon at the Lincoln Memorial, when protesters will march to the US Congress in an effort to pressure the government to hold Israel accountable for its attacks on Palestinian civilians.

“We are calling our community and all peace loving people to March in Washington, DC to send a message that the American people are no longer complicit in war crimes by Israel,” said Oussama Jamal, a member of USCMO.

Several human rights groups and activists have accused Israel of committing war crimes in Gaza, where at least 248 Palestinians, including 66 children, were killed in recent Israeli strikes. More than 1,900 people, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza.

“In the past three weeks, people from across the world have shown unprecedented solidarity and support for the rights of the Palestinian people,” said Dr Mohsin Ansari, President of the Islamic Circle of North America, and USCMO Chair.

“This unwavering support from just individuals across the globe has sent a clear message to the governments of Israel and the United States that the atrocities and the killing of innocent civilians, including children, is absolutely unacceptable.”

Earlier this week, United Nations human rights chief Michelle Bachelet said in a session at the international body that if Israel is found to have acted in a disproportionate manner in its bombardment of Gaza, it could be considered a war crime.

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Palestine solidarity protests have taken place around the world since last month, when the forced expulsions of Palestinian families from their homes in East Jerusalem’s Sheikh Jarrah caught global attention.

Demonstrations in Europe, North America, Asia and beyond have continued after the recent ceasefire was announced, and many are using the protests to keep the momentum of the human rights movement going.

Saturday's march is a part of the new national #SanctionIsrael campaign urging the Biden administration and Congress to sanction Israel and stop giving it billions in US tax dollars and arms.