WASHINGTON — As thousands gathered in D.C. for the National Memorial Day Parade, a group of pro-Palestinian protesters held a demonstration amid more civilian deaths in the Israel-Hamas war.
Alexandria for Palestinian Human Rights is among the grassroots organizations that called for a ceasefire in the middle of the popular holiday event. They focused on the parade’s host, Boeing, for its military ties to Israel.
“Ultimately, we're advocating for Palestinian liberation and self-determination, and a ceasefire is only the first step,” said one of the group’s members Melissa, who opted not to disclose her last name due to safety reasons.
Boeing has worked closely with Israeli commercial and military customers and suppliers for decades, according to its website.
“If we're standing by and doing nothing when we see evil occurring, we're just as complicit and responsible,” said another group member.
The protests come after Israeli airstrikes sparked a fire that killed at least 45 people, including children, in a tent camp in Rafah.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the incident a tragic mistake.
Meanwhile, calls for a deal by the Israeli government to bring back Israeli hostages held by Hamas are intensifying, days after more bodies have been found.
“Civilian casualties are desperately sad, but this is the war Hamas wanted and started,” said Avi Hyman, National Public Diplomacy Directorate.
Alexandria for Palestinian Human Rights has already helped disrupt a city council meeting to demand for leaders to call for a ceasefire. They also protested a gala hosted by U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia.
“While Virginia does have its own set of goals, we're working towards something much bigger where all of our freedom is intertwined,” Melissa added.
More than 36,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's offensive, according to Gaza's health ministry.
Israel launched the strikes after Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israeli communities in October that killed around 1,200 people and seized more than 250 hostages, per Israeli officials.
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