Jewish groups rally at White House urging Biden to push for Gaza ceasefire
There have been several news articles and web pages that cover the recent events and protests related to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
Here is a summary of some of the main points from the results:
- On Monday, October 16, 2023, two Jewish-led peace groups, IfNotNow and Jewish Voice for Peace, organized a demonstration outside the White House to urge President Biden to pressure Israel into declaring an immediate ceasefire and stopping its military invasion of Gaza12.
- The protesters accused the Israeli government of planning “genocide” against the Palestinians in Gaza, who have suffered from a humanitarian crisis and a death toll of around 2,200 people, including 700 children, since the start of the Israeli bombardment on October 712.
- At least 30 people were arrested by the Secret Service agents after blocking multiple entrances to the White House. The protesters chanted “cease-fire now” and sang songs in Hebrew as they were handcuffed and taken away12.
- The demonstration was supported by some progressive U.S. lawmakers, who introduced a congressional resolution urging “an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire in Israel and Gaza” on the same day3. The resolution was led by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.), Rep. Betty McCollum (D-Minn.), Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), and Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.)3.
- The resolution criticized President Biden for his “rock-solid and unwavering support” for Israel, which receives nearly $4 billion in annual U.S. military aid despite being one of the world’s wealthiest nations per capita32. The resolution also called for an end to the U.S. arms sales to Israel and a suspension of American military aid until Israel respects human rights and international law3.
- The protest and the resolution came as thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators also marched in the U.S. capital on Saturday, October 15, 2023, passing by the White House and chanting “Free Palestine” as the death toll continued to climb in the conflict between Israel and Hamas4. The march was organized by several Palestinian American groups and civil rights organizations, such as American Muslims for Palestine, Council on American-Islamic Relations, and Black Lives Matter4.
I hope this summary helps you understand the situation better.
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