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The March on Washington for Gaza was a protest on January 13, 2024, in response to the Israel–Hamas war, to call for a ceasefire in the conflict.[1][2] The march was organized by the American Muslim Task Force for Palestine, Council on American–Islamic Relations (CAIR), and other groups.[1][2] The date was chosen to coincide nearly 100 days of war.[3] Similar marches were held around the globe, including in London as part of a global day of protest.[1]
| Part of Israel–Hamas war protests in the United States | |
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| Date | January 13, 2024 |
|---|---|
| Venue | Freedom Plaza |
| Location | Washington, D.C., United States |
| Cause | Response to Israel–Hamas war |
| Participants | Tens of thousands to 400,000 (estimated) |
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By January 2024, more than 23,000 Gazans had been killed due to the war.[4] CAIR had previously sent a letter protesting the war to the White House listing demands, including ceasefire, and calling for Israeli officials to be "held accountable for the Gaza genocide".[2] During January 2024, South Africa had initiated criminal proceedings at the ICJ against Israel claiming genocide.[2]
The protest had been promoted in advance as among the largest pro-Palestinian protests.[2] The Washington Post states it was the second largest pro-Palestinian event in Washington, after the March for Palestine in 2023.[3] CAIR claimed more than 400,000 attended the march.[5] Protestors were bused in from multiple states, including Minnesota and Florida.[2]
In addition to Palestinian flags and keffiyehs,[6] protestors also displayed the South African flag, in reference to the ICJ proceedings against Israel led by South Africa.[1]
The event began as a rally with a series of pro-Palestinian speakers before transitioning into a march.[3] Additionally to criticizing the war and the loss of civilian life, speakers also spoke out against the US strikes on Houthis in Yemen.[6] Speakers at the event included both a virtual appearance by Wael Al-Dahdouh, as well as in-person speeches by Cornel West and Jill Stein.[6] State Rep. Iman Jodeh and former State Department official Josh Paul also spoke.[3] During events, some protestors laid down on the ground to represent dead bodies from the war.[1]
The march after the rally moved towards the National Mall into Lafayette Square.[3] Protestors carried signs criticizing Joe Biden of enabling genocide.[4]
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Though the march remained peaceful, light graffiti was seen around the area, and at least one protestor attempted to scale a fence close to the White House.[3]
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