In a powerful display of solidarity, progressive Jewish-American activists have taken their demands for a ceasefire in Gaza directly to lawmakers by staging a sit-in inside the US Capitol. Earlier today, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the building to amplify their plea for an end to the ongoing conflict.
Following a similar protest near the White House by Jewish groups, the advocacy organisation Jewish Voice for Peace took to social media to announce their sit-in, stating, “Hundreds of American Jews are holding a sit-in at Congress — and we won’t leave until Congress calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.” The group further highlighted the presence of over 350 individuals, including two dozen rabbis, who were engaged in a prayerful resistance.
Video footage captured the activists passionately chanting, “Peace right now,” as they urged lawmakers to prioritise diplomatic efforts and work towards de-escalation in the region. The sit-in serves as a poignant reminder of the commitment and determination within the Jewish-American community to advocate for peace and an end to the violence.
In response to the growing support for Gaza, Israel’s police commissioner, Kobi Shabtai, issued a warning, threatening severe consequences for those showing solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Shabtai declared, “Whoever wants to become an Israeli citizen, welcome… Anyone who wants to identify with Gaza is welcome. I will put him on the buses heading there now.” This statement has added fuel to the ongoing debate surrounding freedom of expression and the right to protest within Israel.
Meanwhile, in Bahrain, a small demonstration in support of Palestinians in Gaza was met with a crackdown by the local police. A video posted by the Bahrain Center for Human Rights revealed the heavy-handed response, as activists called for the breaking of diplomatic ties with Israel and the expulsion of its ambassador. This incident highlights the international reverberations of the conflict and the diverse range of voices seeking justice for Palestinians.
Amidst these developments, the toll on Palestinian lives continues to rise. Health Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra reported that, since the start of the conflict between Hamas and Israel on October 7, at least 3,478 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli air raids in the Gaza Strip. Furthermore, 12,065 Palestinians have been injured, with a staggering 70 percent of the victims being women, children, and the elderly. Tragically, an estimated 1,300 individuals, including 600 children, remain missing under the rubble.
