Tens of thousands of protestors massed in Washington, D.C.’s Saturday chanting “Palestine will be free” and accusing President Biden of genocide at a rally demanding a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
“From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” the crowd dotted with Palestinian flags and signs cried at the start of the event, which drew attendees from across the country.
Many of the speakers touched on the US role as Israel’s primary ally in the ongoing war against Hamas – including a $14.3 billion aid package passed by the House this week.
“Biden, Biden you can’t hide! We charge you with genocide!” one MC yelled into the microphone, drawing cheers from the attendees.
Several demonstrators who claimed to work for the Biden Administration and members of Congress joined the protest, holding signs saying: “Congress your staff demand a ceasefire” and “Biden your staff demand a ceasefire.”
A spokesperson for the Chicago Chapter of U.S. Palestine Community Network said Biden was “dehumanizing” Palestinians.
“No business as usual as our elected officials support genocide,” she yelled into the microphone.
“Israel does not have the right to exist as a racist state.”
The speaker said Palestinians wanted to build a “secular” society “from the river to the sea” afterward.
“It is right to rebel! Israel can go to hell!” Marte White, who said he was from Community Movement Builders, a nationwide Black activist group, yelled during his turn at the mic.
Palestinians have a right to fight “by any means necessary…and I do mean any means necessary!” White said, presumably referring to Hamas slaughtering and maiming 1,400 Israelis within a few hours on Oct. 7.
“Everyone should support the struggle against Zionism, and stand with the Palestinian people,” White concluded.