WASHINGTON — Morning commutes were disrupted across the DMV Thursday as hundreds of protesters rallied at Union Station and blocked five major roadways. More than 20 people were arrested by multiple law enforcement agencies responding.
Demonstrators said their cause was to take a stand against Israel's ongoing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
Palestinian Youth Movement, Occupation Free DC, Dissenters DMV, Party for Socialism & Liberation, Maryland2Palestine, and Harriet's Wildest Dreams were said to have organized the protests.
For over three months, people across the nation have mobilized to voice their opinions on how the Joe Biden administration is handling relations with Israel in the face of the war in Gaza. This includes providing weaponry to Israel.
"In the face of this historic pressure, the U.S. government chooses to shirk its responsibility towards the American people and insists on setting us on a warpath against the people of Palestine and Yemen, risking an unmitigated and disastrous regional escalation that would serve none but the war profiteers in D.C.," the organizers said in a news release.
The protesters condemned Biden's administration for their "direct responsibility" in the destruction of Gaza. They continued by stating that the country's decision to cut funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine refugees is a dangerous escalation against Palestinians. "It will condemn millions of Palestinians to a life of destitution for decades to come."
They said they will continue to mobilize in support until their demands are met, which includes: a permanent ceasefire, an immediate reinstatement of funding for UNRWA, an immediate end to the 16-year siege on Gaza, an end to all U.S. aid to Israel, freedom to all Palestinian political prisoners, an end to 76 years of Zionist occupation, and keeping hands off Yemen.
The following streets were closed due to the protests, but have since reopened:
- Southbound on North Capitol Street NW and E Street NW
- Inbound 23rd Street & Constitution Avenue NW
- I-395 Northbound at C and D Streets NW
- I-395 Northbound at 14th Street NW
- Westbound E Street NW & New Jersey Avenue NW
- Constitution Avenue
In total, 23 people were placed under arrest by DC Police, the U.S. Capitol Police and the U.S. Park Police. The charge was crowding, obstructing or incommoding for most protestesrs, with three people also being charged with resisting arrest.
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