Protest Against Gaza War Draws Thousands to the White House
New York TimesJun 20
Pro-Palestinian Protesters Rally Outside White House
Above: Pro-Palestinian activists wave Palestinian flags and chant on Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House during a demonstration protesting the war in Gaza on June 8, 2024. Image copyright: Samuel Corum/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters rallied outside the White House on Saturday to demand an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and the halt of all America's military aid to Israel.
Demonstrators unfurled a two-mile-long red banner listing the names of Palestinians who have died since Oct. 7, 2023 —a reference to the "red line" that they claim Biden let Israel cross during its Rafah offensive.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Nobody except the Hamas leadership wants this horrific conflict to go on any longer, as even the Israeli war cabinet has endorsed a recently announced comprehensive peace plan for Gaza. Instead of pointing fingers at Biden and Israel, those calling for a cease-fire in the enclave should be putting pressure on Hamas by now.
Establishment-critical narrative
The Biden administration has been complicit in the Israeli genocidal campaign in Gaza. Even if claims that Hamas officials were present in Rafah are valid, knowingly committing unspeakable atrocities crosses any red lines. This war has gone on for far too long, and Israel must be held accountable for its brutal crimes.