Lots of of demonstrators held a pro-Palestinian rally in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday afternoon, chanting “Free Palestine” and “Lengthy stay the intifada” as they protested Israel’s warfare in Gaza and Lebanon whereas marching from Pershing Sq. to Metropolis Corridor.
The largely peaceable demonstration got here two days earlier than the anniversary of Oct. 7, when Hamas militants in Gaza attacked Israel, killing an estimated 1,200 folks, principally civilians, and taking about 250 hostages.
Throughout Los Angeles, the anniversary might be marked by commemorations for the victims, candle-lighting ceremonies, demonstrations and counter-demonstrations.
During the last 12 months, Israeli army operations in Gaza — and extra just lately, towards the Hamas-allied militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon — have been the main focus of protests. Greater than 41,000 Palestinians in Gaza have died in Israeli retaliatory assaults, in accordance with the Gazan Well being Ministry. Its figures don’t distinguish between combatants and civilians, however they point out that greater than half of the useless are ladies and youngsters.
There gave the impression to be as many as a thousand folks on the demonstration Saturday, although police didn’t give a crowd estimate. The scene was stuffed with Palestinian and Lebanese flags. Audio system referred to as for an finish to U.S. assist to Israel and a cease-fire in Gaza and Lebanon.
At Metropolis Corridor, a protest chief led the group in a chant of “There is just one resolution, intifada revolution!” Banners learn “Finish the Siege of Gaza” and “Arms Off Yemen.”
Police weren’t a conspicuous presence on the rally, nor was the presence of counterprotesters. Los Angeles Police Officer Jay Chaves stated there was one arrest reported on the occasion, for vandalism.
Giant pro-Palestinian crowds gathered world wide Saturday, with protests involving 1000’s in European cities. Protests turned violent in Rome, and police responded with tear gasoline and water cannons.
In a joint public service announcement, the FBI and the Division of Homeland Safety warned that the Oct. 7 anniversary “could also be a motivating issue for violent extremists and hate crime perpetrators to have interaction in violence or threaten public security.”