Protests in Washington Demand an End to Genocide in Gaza and Condemn Increased Repression Against Pro-Palestinian Students
Washington, April 6 – On Saturday, thousands of people from across the United States participated in protests against Israel's brutal attacks on Gaza and the increased repression by the Trump administration against pro-Palestinian students and activists.
The protest, supported by over 300 organizations, gathered at the intersection of 3rd Street NW and Pennsylvania Avenue NW. Later, protesters marched to key locations, including the headquarters of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), demanding the release of Palestinian students and academics detained in Gaza. Among the individuals called for release were Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil and Turkish student Rumeisa Ozturk.
The protest was co-sponsored by various rights organizations, including the Palestinian Youth Movement, The People’s Forum, Jewish Voice for Peace, and the ANSWER Coalition.
Protesters carried placards and posters featuring images of Palestinian children killed in Gaza and pictures of students detained or expelled for their activism. They also voiced their opposition to the violation of civil rights under the Trump administration.
Ann Wright, a member of Code Pink and former U.S. diplomat, told Anadolu, "We are facing such a dire situation that in the U.S., students who speak out against genocide are being detained and expelled. This is a horrific situation for those who are simply speaking up for humanity."
One such student, Mahmoud Khalil, who had recently graduated from Columbia University and organized protests on campus for Palestine, was detained for his support of Palestine and has become a symbol of the protest movement.
Sujan Ali, a member of the Palestinian Youth Movement, told Anadolu, "We have brought thousands of people from across the U.S. here to protest the administration's efforts to silence us and detain students. With each detention and threat, our movement becomes stronger."
For many protesters, the demonstration was deeply personal.
Joni Nassef, a protester who has been concerned about Palestine for 40 years, said, "This is the worst time yet. The situation in the U.S. is really tough right now, and I just want to do something."
Another protester, Danny Moore, said, "I came here to support the end of genocide, the end of repression, and the end of tyranny and monopolistic rule. I don't want to see anyone else die."
