A group of activists gathered outside the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., calling for an end to Israel’s blockade of Gaza. The protest, titled “From the Sea to DC,” included members of the Global Sumud flotilla, who were detained by Israeli forces in international waters while attempting to deliver aid to Gaza. Many of the flotilla members spoke publicly for the first time, recounting the torture they endured during their imprisonment by Israeli forces.
Speakers described the blockade as “a siege contrary to international law” and vowed to continue supporting the people of Gaza. Protesters chanted “Free Palestine” and “End the Blockade,” displaying images of Israeli airstrikes and civilian casualties. Organizers said similar solidarity events would take place across the United States.