Thousands of protesters gathered in Washington to demand a ceasefire in Gaza where thousands have been killed in Israel’s bombardment since an attack by the Palestinian fighters group, Hamas, and to denounce President Joe Biden’s policy towards the war, Reuters reports.

Protesters carried placards with slogans such as “Palestinian Lives Matter,” “Let Gaza Live” and “Their blood is in on your hands,” as the US government continued to reject demands to add its voice to calls for a blanket ceasefire.

Demonstrators stage a sit in on Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House during a rally in support of Palestinians in Washington, DC, on November 4, 2023.—AFP)
Demonstrators stage a sit in on Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House during a rally in support of Palestinians in Washington, DC, on November 4, 2023.—AFP)

Activists called the planned protest a “National March on Washington: Free Palestine” and organised buses to the US capital from across the country for demonstrators to attend, said coalition group ANSWER, an acronym for “Act Now to Stop War and End Racism.”

“What we want and what we demand is a ceasefire now,” said Mahdi Bray, national director of the American Muslim Alliance.

A “ceasefire” sign in support of Palestinians in Gaza is seen as visitors stand for photos outside of the White House, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Washington, U.S., November 4, 2023.—Reuters
A “ceasefire” sign in support of Palestinians in Gaza is seen as visitors stand for photos outside of the White House, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Washington, U.S., November 4, 2023.—Reuters

“Biden, Biden you cannot hide, you signed up for genocide,” protesters chanted in Washington.

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