Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered in major U.S. cities on Tuesday, including New York City, Washington, D.C., Chicago, and San Francisco, to demand an immediate cessation of Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip.

The protests, organized by a coalition of advocacy groups including Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace, called for an end to the ongoing blockade of Gaza, which has led to widespread starvation and a humanitarian crisis.

In New York City, protesters marched through Manhattan, holding signs reading "Stop Starving Gaza Now!," "Feed Gaza's Babies," and "Open the Border, End the Blockade." Similar scenes unfolded in Washington, D.C., where demonstrators rallied outside the Capitol, urging U.S. lawmakers to halt military aid to Israel. In Chicago, hundreds gathered in Millennium Park, while San Francisco saw protests near the Israeli Consulate, with participants chanting for justice and an end to the siege.

The demonstrations come amid escalating concerns over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The United Nations on Tuesday condemned what it called an "unacceptable pattern" of Israeli attacks on civilians and aid seekers in the enclave, despite Israel’s assurances that it would avoid targeting non-combatants.

Since October 2023, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has resulted in over 59,100 Palestinian deaths, predominantly women and children, according to Gaza’s health authorities. The offensive has devastated the region, collapsing its healthcare system and causing severe food shortages, with reports of mass starvation reaching unprecedented levels.

The rallies also highlighted international legal actions against Israeli officials. Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, charging them with war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel faces an ongoing genocide case at the International Court of Justice related to its actions in the enclave.

Organizers of the U.S. protests emphasized the need for immediate action. "The U.S. government must stop funding Israel’s war machine and push for a ceasefire now," said Sarah Mahmoud, a spokesperson for the New York rally. Protesters also called for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza and an end to the blockade, which has restricted access to food, medicine, and other essentials.

The protests remained largely peaceful, though police presence was heavy in some cities. In New York, minor scuffles were reported as authorities attempted to clear a blocked intersection, but no arrests were confirmed. Activists vowed to continue their demonstrations, with plans for further rallies in the coming weeks to keep pressure on both U.S. and Israeli officials.

The Biden administration has faced growing criticism for its continued support of Israel, with protesters urging a policy shift. "The world is watching, and history will judge those who remain complicit in this crisis," Mahmoud added.

As the Israeli genocide in Gaza continues, the international community remains divided, with calls for accountability and humanitarian relief growing louder across the globe. (ILKHA)