Protests for Palestine

Note: This article was written in November, and as such, some of the data and numbers presented may not accurately reflect the current situation. The events and developments discussed were based on information available at the time of writing. Please consider checking for the latest updates to ensure the most accurate and current understanding of the situation.

In recent weeks, numerous protests for Palestine have been held across the country, amidst the recent invasion of Gaza. In Memphis, multiple demonstrations were held throughout October, drawing hundreds of protesters, both Muslim and non-Muslim, in the city’s downtown.

On October 7th, 2023 the militant resistance group Hamas executed an attack on the occupying force Israel, months in the making. The militants attacked military bases, settlements and a kibbutz. After years of bombings and humanitarian violations, Hamas struck back. This resulted in 1,200 Israelis being killed, many of them soldiers. However, it is believed that the number is much lower. In response, Israel retaliated with indiscriminate and intentional violence, killing Israeli hostages and their own civilians.

Israel’s subsequent ground invasion was the first in years. They declared war on Hamas, claiming that this was an attack directly on the group and not innocents. Prior to the invasion, Israel escalated the amount and the rate of the bombings in Gaza to an unprecedented level. Israel killed thousands of innocents in the span days, with less than 0.5% of the deaths being Hamas militants. Israel claimed that they killed Hamas generals and higher ranking Hamas individuals, yet no evidence has been presented. The death toll stands 15,000, however, health organizations project it to be at least 20,000. This is one of the largest humanitarian crises in Palestinian history, reminiscent of the massive atrocities of the 1948 Nakba and the 1967 Naksa.

While the scale of this ethnic cleansing has been horrifying, there is hope to be found. More people than ever in history are sympathetic and supportive of the Palestinian cause. Israel’s true intent to eliminate the Palestinian native population has become more apparent than ever with the failure of their media campaign, distortion of truth, and extensive multibillion dollar lobbying efforts. The largest ever protest for Palestine in American history occurred in D.C. on November 4th, 2023, with hundreds of thousands participating. Memphis also held historic protests for Palestine. These protests took place downtown starting at the FedexForum and made their way down Beale street.

This movement for Palestinian liberation has only intensified since October. People have raised their voices in support of the cause and against the opposing forces. This is a historical point and a new era for the liberation struggle. It is the beginning of the end.