0
0
CAMBRIDGE — A pro-Palestine demonstration outside Cambridge’s City Hall drew several hundred participants, who were subsequently confronted by dozens of pro-Israel counter protesters along Massachusetts Avenue on Monday evening.
The Israel supporters labeled recent Hamas activities as terrorism, contrasting with the pro-Palestine group’s calls for Palestinian statehood amidst rising Middle East conflict.
Jeff Rosenberg, from the Party for Socialism and Liberation, pointed out the U.S. government’s support for Israel as a major contributor to the ongoing tension.
“Any deaths are tragic, and we need to understand that the forces that are driving this conflict in the first place are coming resolutely from the U.S. government’s support of the Israeli apartheid regime,” Jeff Rosenberg, a member of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, told WCVB.com.
Following the City Hall event, the pro-Palestine supporters marched through Cambridge streets. Cambridge police ensured both groups remained separate, with no incidents reported.
Cambridge, MA:
— Bob Richards (@BRichLogic) October 10, 2023
Anti-Israel demonstrators in Massachusetts called the United States "Legit Gangsters" Monday and stood on the American flag while voicing support for Palestinians.
At a demonstration at Cambridge City Hall, two protestors were seen standing on the U.S. flag. pic.twitter.com/5O6OqCjIxw
Earlier in the day, over 2,000 individuals attended a pro-Israel rally at Boston Common, featuring several members of the Massachusetts Congressional delegation. Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-4th Congressional District) commented on the complexities of de-escalation given the current circumstances.
“De-escalation is not possible when they are taking hostages. Israel did not ask America to de-escalate on Sept. 12, 2001,” Rep. Auchincloss said.
Parallel events unfolded across major cities globally. New York witnessed opposing rallies near the U.N. headquarters, Paris showcased a massive pro-Israel rally with the Eiffel Tower illuminated in Israeli colors, while Athens and London saw significant pro-Palestine gatherings.
This comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced an intensified offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Israel’s declaration of war has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with approximately 900 in Israel and over 680 in Gaza, as per each side’s reports.
U.S. President Joe Biden confirmed the death of at least 11 U.S. citizens in recent Hamas attacks, expressing his condolences to affected families and emphasizing U.S. support for its citizens in Israel.
The ongoing conflict has displaced nearly 187,500 people in Gaza, with major infrastructural damages reported, affecting housing and essential services for hundreds of thousands.
U.N. leadership continues to engage with pivotal regional stakeholders in search of a resolution.
About Author
