The Movement for Black Lives (M4BL, a coalition of more than 50 groups representing the interests of Black communities across the United States, has announced a march to demand a ceasefire in Gaza amid the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.
“We are everyday people of conscience, uniting across faith, race, and generations to tell President Biden and Congress that they have a choice to make: either uphold the value of all human life by working to de-escalate the violence or continue to support the Israeli government’s massacre of the Palestinian people,” a statement from the group reads. “In our nation’s capitol we will stand together, arm-in-arm, as we pray with our feet and fight with our hearts for the safety, dignity, and equality of all people.”
Join us on October 20th in Washington D.C. to march, mourn, and mobilize to demand a ceasefire in Gaza. Learn more at: https://t.co/BiWttA2MHV pic.twitter.com/fJKMrBMhCw
— Movement 4 Black Lives (@Mvmnt4BlkLives) October 19, 2023
The march will take place at the National Mall, 3rd St, between Madison and Jefferson, Washington D.C, on Friday, Oct. 20, at noon.
Mainstream news outlets report that Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an unprecedented assault on Israel on Oct. 7. More than 3,700 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed in air and artillery strikes carried out by the Israeli military in response.
Last week, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant announced a blockade, including a total ban on the admission of food, electricity and fuel. The action will affect as many as 2 million Gazan residents.
“We are putting a complete siege on Gaza … No electricity, no food, no water, no gas – it’s all closed,” Gallant said in a video statement.
Hundreds of protesters have been demonstrating on Capitol Hill, occupying part of a House office building in an effort to persuade the Biden administration to call for a ceasefire. At least 300 protesters were arrested by the Capitol Police.
The Biden administration has been heavily criticized for providing a bounty of weapons and munitions to Israel, a longtime key ally in the Middle East. During a trip to Israel this week, Biden announced $100 million in humanitarian aid to Gaza and the West Bank.
“This money will support more than 1 million displaced in conflict affected Palestinians, including emergency needs in Gaza,” Biden said during a speech in Tel Aviv, per Politico.
