Local protestors gathered outside representative Brad Finstad’s office to demand ceasefire in Israel-Hamas war
(ABC 6 News) – In a rare address to the American people, President Joe Biden provided an update on U.S. support for Israel during their ongoing war with the militant terrorist group Hamas on Thursday.
The president also urged Israeli officials to practice restraint as they ramp up operations against Hamas in Gaza, where thousands have been killed so far in the conflict.
But it’s not just Biden urging leaders to practice such restraint, but also local groups turning to leaders who represent them.
One local group gathered outside Representative Brad Finstad’s office on Thursday demanding action be taken to mitigate the loss of life in both Gaza and the West Bank, including calling for a ceasefire, while raising awareness to the ongoing plight of Palestinians.
Darlene Coffman was one of the protestors and has friends that live in Palestine, who she says has remained in contact with her even as violence broke out.
According to her, the mission she set out on Thursday was to not only make her voice heard, but to highlight Palestine’s history with Israel, and how their recent evacuation order to Palestinians mirrors an event that happened 75 years ago.
“We do not want to see the ethnic cleansing, the ongoing genocide, the most abominable crime there is that’s being carried out at the present time by Israel with the complicity of our own country.”
The tragedy she’s referring to is known as Nakba.
In 1948, more than 700,000 Palestinians were expelled from their homes and weren’t allowed to return. Now, she fears that history is repeating itself.
Other protesters like Amana Iverson who don’t have personal ties with either side but wants to show her support for the Palestinians, as she wants this conflict to end.
“Even though I know it’s not a lot, I think it’s important to have visible representation of people that are on the side of peace.”
As the battle overseas continues, Coffman and Iverson will continue fighting alongside their fellow protesters to demand a ceasefire in the war.