Tons of of demonstrators held a pro-Palestinian rally in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday afternoon, chanting “Free Palestine” and “Long live the intifada” as they protested Israel’s warfare in Gaza and Lebanon whereas marching from Pershing Sq. to Metropolis Corridor.
The largely peaceable demonstration got here two days earlier than the anniversary of Oct. 7, when Hamas militants in Gaza attacked Israel, killing an estimated 1,200 individuals, principally civilians, and taking about 250 hostages.
Throughout Los Angeles, the anniversary might be marked by commemorations for the victims, candle-lighting ceremonies, demonstrations and counter-demonstrations.
Over the past yr, Israeli army operations in Gaza — and extra not too long ago, towards the Hamas-allied militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon — have been the main target of protests. Greater than 41,000 Palestinians in Gaza have died in Israeli retaliatory assaults, in accordance with the Gazan Well being Ministry. Its figures don’t distinguish between combatants and civilians, however they point out that greater than half of the lifeless are girls and youngsters.
A baby holds a Palestinian flag whereas carrying a kaffiyeh on the Pershing Sq. rally.
(Michael Blackshire / Los Angeles Instances)
There gave the impression to be as many as a thousand individuals on the demonstration Saturday, although police didn’t give a crowd estimate. The scene was crammed with Palestinian and Lebanese flags. Audio system referred to as for an finish to U.S. help to Israel and a cease-fire in Gaza and Lebanon.
At Metropolis Corridor, a protest chief led the gang in a chant of “There is only one solution, intifada revolution!” Banners learn “End the Siege of Gaza” and “Hands Off Yemen.”
Police weren’t a conspicuous presence on the rally, nor was the presence of counterprotesters. Los Angeles Police Officer Jay Chaves stated there was one arrest reported on the occasion, for vandalism.
A demonstrator holds a headless doll on the rally.
(Michael Blackshire / Los Angeles Instances)
Massive pro-Palestinian crowds gathered all over the world Saturday, with protests involving hundreds in European cities. Protests grew to become violent in Rome, and police responded with tear fuel and water cannons.
In a joint public service announcement, the FBI and the Division of Homeland Safety warned that the Oct. 7 anniversary “may be a motivating factor for violent extremists and hate crime perpetrators to engage in violence or threaten public safety.”
