Thousands of people gathered in Washington, D.C. on Saturday to show their support for Palestinian rights and call for an end to the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. According to The Washington Post, the rally aimed to be the largest expression of solidarity with the Palestinian people to date, with organizers estimating that upwards of 30,000 individuals would attend the event.

The crowd, consisting of people from various backgrounds and ages, assembled in Freedom Plaza, just a block away from the White House. Protesters wore kaffiyehs as a symbol of solidarity, and strangers passing by exchanged the "V" peace sign and expressed their support with calls for a free Palestine. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and unity as speakers led the crowd in chants of "Free, free Palestine! Free, free Palestine!" and "Cease-fire now!"

Among the attendees was 70-year-old Manar Ghanayem, who traveled from North Carolina to have her voice heard at the rally. Ghanayem emphasized the importance of recognizing basic human rights for all individuals, condemning the violence and suffering occurring in the region. She was accompanied by more than a dozen friends and relatives, including her small grandchildren with Palestinian flags painted on their faces.

The support for the pro-Palestinian rally came from a diverse coalition of organizations, including Palestinian rights groups, antiwar and climate advocates, Jewish anti-Zionist organizations, Indigenous rights groups, trans and queer liberation groups, and racial justice organizations. The rally aimed to bring attention to the need for a cease-fire, highlighting the devastating loss of life, particularly among children, that has occurred in Gaza.

Following the rally, protesters planned to embark on a march towards the White House and then back to Freedom Plaza via 14th and K streets NW. As a precaution, Capitol Police erected fencing around the Capitol building, while D.C. police implemented rolling street closures. However, no arrests or unrest were reported as of midday.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas, the militant group controlling Gaza, has elicited mixed views among the U.S. population. According to a recent Quinnipiac University poll, half of registered voters in the country approve of Israel's response to the October 7 attack, while 35 percent disapprove. However, opinions on this matter vary significantly based on partisanship, race, and age, with the lowest approval ratings observed among Democrats, voters ages 18 to 34, and Black voters.

While the rally aimed to bring awareness directly to the U.S. government, it also sought to resonate globally. Lujain Al-Saleh, who lost her cousin Roshdi Sarraj, a journalist, in a bombardment in Gaza last month, expressed her hope that President Biden and lawmakers would heed the demands of the crowd for a cease-fire. Al-Saleh shared her appreciation for the solidarity displayed in marches and rallies across the world, emphasizing the invigorating effect it had on her hope for humanity.

The rally in D.C. proved to be a powerful gathering of individuals advocating for Palestinian rights and calling for an end to the violence. As the conflict continues to evolve, the voices of those demanding peace and justice for the region grow increasingly louder.