Pro-Palestinian protesters disrupted traffic at various locations across the US, including the Golden Gate Bridge, O’Hare airport, and roads to major airports, to protest US support for Israel in the Gaza conflict. President Biden expressed focus on Israel’s security and reaching a ceasefire in Gaza. Over 150 people were arrested or taken into custody, with demonstrations causing significant disruptions and delays. The protests come amid escalating tensions between Israel and Hamas, with the US providing support to Israel while facing divisions over civilian casualties and the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Annelle Sheline, a State Department official working on human rights in the Middle East, resigned in protest of U.S. support for Israel's war in Gaza, citing the difficulty of promoting human rights in the region while the U.S. continues to send weapons to Israel. Her departure reflects growing dissent within the government over its policy on Israel, with other officials expressing discontent through internal channels and public demonstrations. Despite the Biden administration's continued military support for Israel, there has been a shift in tone, with increased public pressure on Israel to allow more humanitarian assistance into Gaza.
President Joe Biden is projected to win Michigan's Democratic presidential primary despite a significant protest vote over strong US support for Israel in the war in Gaza, with "uncommitted" votes exceeding expectations at 13%. Many voters in the critical swing state have been angered by the US stance in the Israel-Hamas conflict, leading to calls for a stronger stance against Israel's military campaign. The "uncommitted" movement gained endorsements from elected officials, including congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, and activists celebrated the size of the protest vote as a victory. The primary contests indicate that Biden and Trump are on course to face off in November's general election, with Michigan being a critical swing state.
Anti-Israel protesters disrupted the California Democratic Party convention in Sacramento, prompting security guards to lock down the convention center and leading to the cancellation of evening meetings and parties. About 1,000 protesters marched through the convention hall, waving Palestinian flags and calling for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. The protest highlights the division within the left over the conflict, with some Jewish delegates expressing frustration and concern. The California Legislative Jewish Caucus condemned the disruption, while a Palestinian American protester expressed her desire to vote in the upcoming elections to show solidarity with her people. Democratic candidates for the U.S. Senate seat failed to secure the party's endorsement.
Iran's president attended a joint summit in Saudi Arabia, marking his first visit to the kingdom in over 15 years. Arab and Muslim leaders gathered to express their unified opposition to Israel's military operations in Gaza, criticizing the U.S. support for Israel. The meeting took place amidst escalating conflict between Iran-backed Hamas militants and Israeli forces near Gaza's largest hospital.
Hundreds of New York City public school students, educators, and parents organized a walkout calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to U.S. support for Israel. At least 75 NYC public high schools participated in the walkout, which was organized by student organizations. The event comes as Israel has agreed to daily four-hour humanitarian pauses in the fighting, starting Thursday.
Two progressive Jewish organizations, If Not Now and Jewish Voice for Peace Action, have blamed Israeli "apartheid" for the ongoing violence between Israel and Hamas. They argue that the Israeli government's perpetuation of a system of apartheid has led to the current situation and call for deescalation and an end to US military aid to Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that his country is "at war" and has cut off supplies to Gaza. Over 2,600 casualties have been reported on both sides of the conflict. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has previously rejected the claim that Israel is an "apartheid state."
