Thousands Protest In The Loop For Palestine
By aaroncynic in News on Jul 27, 2014 6:45PM
Thousands of people took to the streets in the Loop yesterday to call for an end to the violence that’s plagued the Gaza strip for some 20 days. Organizers estimated some 15,000 protesters were gathered for the march, which began at Michigan Ave. and Congress Pkwy. and later ended with a rally in Federal Plaza. ln contrast to organizers' estimates, NBC5 estimated the crowd size around 8,000.
Yesterday’s demonstration was one of many that have been held in the Loop since the fighting on the Gaza strip began. On Tuesday, supporters of Israel’s military action in Gaza at the Israeli consulate faced off with pro-Palestinian demonstrators, who held a counter demonstration across the street. One pro-Israeli demonstrator was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon. Last Sunday, another march in the Loop also brought out thousands calling for an end to the bloodshed.
USA Today reported Hamas agreed to a 24 hour cease-fire, which was supposed to begin at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 27. According to a report from the Guardian, however, the cease-fire has broken down, with each side blaming the other for the continuation of violence.
The Guardian's report also says that, since Israel launched its offensive into Gaza, some 1,030 Palestinians—mostly civilians including 218 children have been killed—along with 42 Israeli soldiers, two Israeli civilians and one Thai laborer.