Hundreds of supporters of Palestinians rallied near downtown San Diego’s waterfront Sunday afternoon calling for an end to Israel’s bombing campaign against Gaza in response to Hamas’ attack about a week ago.
Many of the 500 or so demonstrators waved Palestinian flags and held signs reading “Free Palestine.” The group chanted and gave speeches at the County Administration Center, then marched south on Harbor Drive, east on Broadway, north on Pacific Highway and west on Ash Street back to the government building.
“From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” they chanted.
The group held a moment of silence on Broadway, at the intersection with Pacific Highway.
The demonstration came as Israel prepared a coordinated offensive in Gaza, where food, water, fuel and medical supplies were running out. Israel said the planned attack would be an effort to dismantle Hamas after the militant group’s surprise attack Oct. 7.
During the demonstration Sunday, signs and speeches from several speakers called for an end to U.S. support of Israel’s military and what they characterized as Israel’s longstanding oppression of Palestinians. The U.S. gives Israel more than $3 billion in military aid a year, according to news reports.
The group also demanded humanitarian aid for Gaza. A woman held a sign that read, “No food, No electricity, No humanity. Save Gaza.”
Supporters of Israel showed up in a counter-protest during a rally for Palestine at the County Administration Center on Sunday afternoon.
(David Hernandez/San Diego Union-Tribune)
A group of about 50 demonstrators showed up in a counterprotest. Several waved Israeli and U.S. flags. Some held flyers with images of Israelis who were reportedly kidnapped by Hamas.
The counterprotesters stayed put near the County Administration Center as the group of supporters of Palestinians marched past them.
Tensions flared briefly when the pro-Palestinian group returned to the area. While a few demonstrators on both sides came face to face, the rallies were otherwise peaceful.
Several pro-Palestinian supporters said they want the public to remember the violence did not begin with Hamas’ recent attack and called attention to what they described as Israel’s decades-long oppression of Palestinians.
“This is something that’s been part of our history and unfortunate, but I want a better future for myself and my kids,” said a demonstrator who identified only as Sal.
Henna Hamidi, an Escondido resident from Afghanistan, showed up with her Palestinian husband.
“We came out here to support Palestinian people and their rights to live freely,” said Hamidi.
She said they visited the Palestinian territories a month ago and witnessed Palestinians being treated as second-class citizens as a result of Israel’s occupation of those territories.
Hamidi said U.S. citizens — herself included — will never know what it’s like to live under occupation because they are born with freedom.
Among the group of Israel supporters was Tom Halevi, who served in Israel’s military. He said “Israel has a right to defend itself” in response to Hamas’ attack.
Aaron Raimi, who identified himself as Jewish, shared a similar sentiment. He said Hamas indiscriminately attacked Israeli citizens and has used Palestinians as “human shields.” He said “Israel doesn’t want war.”
Many other demonstrations were held around the U.S. on Saturday and Sunday. The violence has killed more than 1,400 people in Israel and 2,450 people in Gaza.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
