**Hundreds Rally at White House Marking One Year of Conflict and Resistance**

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in front of the White House on Saturday in a significant show of support for Palestinians. The demonstration was part of an international day of action, with participants marking what they called "one year of genocide" and "one year of resistance." Just two days ahead of the anniversary of the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants on Israel, which sparked a severe military response, protesters aimed to highlight their cause and call for justice.

Around 4 p.m., the protesters marched from Lafayette Square onto H Street NW, near Black Lives Matter Plaza, blocking traffic as they held banners with messages such as "FREE PALESTINE" and signs calling for an arms embargo on Israel. Waving Palestinian flags, they chanted, "We want justice you say how / end the occupation now" and "even with the bombs you drop / our resistance never stops."

The rally underscored the grief and indignation of those mourning what they termed a genocide that has resulted in tens of thousands of casualties. The ongoing humanitarian crisis has been exacerbated by a year of near-constant conflict. Despite Israeli denials of committing genocide in Gaza, tensions in the Middle East have only increased following Israel's intensified military actions in Lebanon, including the recent assassination of Hezbollah leader Hasan Nasrallah.

Participants wore kaffiyehs and clothing in black, white, red, and green to symbolize solidarity with Palestine. Anyssa Dhaouadi, a member of the DMV chapter of the Palestinian Youth Movement, described the sight of diverse communities donning the kaffiyeh as inspiring. "Traditionally the kaffiyeh is the symbol for unity across the Arab region," she said. "Now, we've seen every community drape themselves in the kaffiyeh to show that same level of strength and unity. It's genuinely such a beautiful sight to see."

Dhaouadi has been a protester since the age of five, driven by her Arabic heritage to advocate against violence in the Middle East. "I've seen the endless lists of martyrs that are constantly updated and published - they share the same names as I do. They share the names of my friends and my family," she said. "To know that my tax dollars are complicit is the most personal issue there could be."

Mohammad Ziad, another organizer with the Palestinian Youth Movement, emphasized the group's call for an arms embargo on Israel. "It's our duty. It's an obligation that we owe to our people, and our homeland, to do what we can to fight against the injustices and the occupation and for the freedom of our people," said Ziad, who is both Palestinian and Syrian. "Our principles and our demands have been crystal clear since the beginning and we haven't wavered. It's demanding justice for our people."

The rally was just the latest in a series of protests throughout the year in the nation's capital. Activists have marched through the streets, encamped at George Washington University's campus, interrupted congressional hearings, and faced arrests on Capitol grounds. Simultaneously, those affected by the hostages taken by Hamas from Israel have also protested, calling for a cease-fire and expressing solidarity with Israel. Jewish organizations are planning vigils and remembrance events for Monday, honoring the victims of the Oct. 7 attack and praying for the hostages' safe return.