Several hundred people marched through Denver on Sunday in support of Palestinians and in condemnation of Israel’s escalating military campaign in Gaza.
The rally, which began outside of the Colorado State Capitol and marched through the streets around Civic Center park, was the second large, pro-Palestinian demonstration here in the past week. Amid freezing temperatures Sunday, the crowd waved Palestinian flags and signs while chanting for a cease-fire and against the bombing campaign that’s killed thousands of civilians in the past three weeks.
The march comes as Israel has stepped up its military efforts in Gaza in recent days. Communications and internet were blacked out Friday and Saturday as Israel expanded its presence in northern Gaza, clashing with militants and intensifying its bombing campaign.
The Palestinian death toll has now surpassed 8,000, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. One woman at Sunday’s protest carried a sign listing the names of some of those killed. More than 1,400 Israelis have died, mostly civilians killed in the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attack that sparked this latest surge in violence. The group still holds roughly 230 Israeli and foreign hostages.
The Denver march was organized by the Colorado Palestine Coalition and the Party for Socialism and Liberation. Organizers passed out handwarmers to ward off the cold. One woman marching at the front of crowd carried a sign that read, “Where is your humanity?” Police blocked off streets as the march, led by a pickup truck with organizers leading chants from its bed, wound around city hall.
Demonstrators carried signs calling for an end to U.S. aid to Israel, accusing both countries of complicity in genocide and criticizing President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Speakers urged attendees to register to vote, and the crowd chanted “vote them out” after the march returned to the Capitol.
Before the demonstration ended with a prayer for mercy and patience, Reema Wahdan, of the Palestine coalition, urged the crowd to continue supporting Gaza.
“We stand for humanity,” she said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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