Protesters block traffic in downtown Raleigh, demanding Gaza ceasefire
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NC responds to Israel-Hamas war
Since Oct. 7, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, the ensuing war in Gaza has had an impact around the world. In the Triangle, protesters have taken to the streets, college campuses and government meetings to call for a cease-fire, aid to Gaza and the release of hostages. Here is ongoing coverage from The News & Observer.
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Protesters calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip briefly blocked a downtown street Sunday in a standoff with Raleigh police, then continued their rally while officers followed behind them.
Roughly 100 people crowded into East Hargett Street next to Moore Square, calling for an end to U.S. military aid to Israel and demanding to be allowed to march further.
Raleigh police blocked them from crossing Blount Street, creating a standoff with the crowd.
”End the occupation now!” they chanted, along with, “Let us march!”
Police vehicles blocked the protesters’ truck on both sides, so just before 5 p.m., they began marching without it.
The march continued through downtown, as Raleigh police followed protesters with blue lights flashing.
Manzoor Cheema, one of the rally’s organizers, said police objected to the protesters’ truck, forcing the standoff for about 30 minutes.
”Our movement is growing, and we’re going to continue to march,” he said, as the crowd swelled to 200 and moved down Hargett Street. “But we think this is a violation of our rights.”
The war between Israel and Hamas began after the Oct. 7 rocket attack launched from the Gaza Strip, which killed more than 1,000 people in southern Israel. Hamas is still holding more than 100 hostages.
The march was organized by roughly 10 human rights organizations, which want Raleigh’s City Council to back a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war.
This story was originally published January 28, 2024 at 5:20 PM.
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