Hundreds of people gathered in front of the Israeli Consulate in West Los Angeles on Saturday to participate in a pro-Palestinian rally and march, demanding an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, the Los Angeles Times reports. The rally denounced Israel's invasion of the Gaza Strip in retaliation for Hamas' recent attack on its neighbor, which has led to escalating violence and a large number of casualties on both sides.

The demonstrators, waving Palestinian flags and chanting "Cease-fire now!" passionately voiced their concerns and grievances in front of the consulate on Wilshire Boulevard in Brentwood at approximately 1 p.m. They then proceeded to march slowly eastward under the 405 Freeway, heading towards the Federal Building in Westwood.

While the march remained orderly and peaceful, the protesters eventually spread out over the street, occupying the entire boulevard and allowing only one lane for vehicles to pass. Encouragement and support for the rally were displayed by motorists, who rolled down their windows, raised their fists, whistled, and even brandished Palestinian flags from their cars.

This demonstration in Los Angeles parallels similar large-scale pro-Palestinian rallies held around the world on Saturday, including one in Washington, D.C. where thousands gathered near the White House in Freedom Plaza.

The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas militants has resulted in a devastating loss of life and the spiraling humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Since Hamas launched a surprise offensive on southern Israel on October 7, over 1,400 people have been killed on the Israeli side, while Palestinian militants continue to hold approximately 220 people hostage. The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry reports that more than 9,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, have lost their lives in the conflict.

Yessar Takruri, a 32-year-old protester, expressed his frustration at the U.S.'s political and financial backing of Israel. Holding the U.S. accountable, he stated, "I want the U.S. to pressure Israel to cease-fire. I don't want my tax money and American people's tax money funding military occupation."

Another participant, Wesam Eltohamy, 50, emphasized the need for Palestinians to have their freedom and rights recognized. Calling for an end to the Israeli government's oppressive measures, Eltohamy passionately waved a Palestinian flag and stated, "Give them their freedom in their land. It's like saying, 'Leave your house and live in the backyard of your neighbors in a tent.'"

Saturday's rally aimed at raising awareness and solidarity with the Palestinian cause also serves as a call for the Biden administration to reevaluate its support for Israel. Protesters urged the administration to prioritize humanitarian efforts and advocate for immediate cease-fire negotiations.

While U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Arab foreign ministers in the Middle East, calls for an immediate cease-fire were made. However, Blinken expressed concerns that this might allow Hamas to regroup and initiate further attacks. Instead, the Biden administration is actively engaging in discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, pushing for "humanitarian pauses" in fighting.

On the same day, two Israeli military strikes targeted a school being used as a U.N. shelter, resulting in the loss of multiple civilian lives and injuring 70 others. In response, the Israeli military provided a three-hour window for trapped residents in Gaza to escape to the southern part of the territory.

As tensions and violence continue to rise, global calls for peace and a cessation of hostilities are growing louder. Protests like the one in Los Angeles highlight the desire for immediate action to halt the loss of life and provide relief to those affected by the conflict in Gaza.