Gaza war protests in the United States

**Gaza war protests in the United States**; Since the start of the Gaza war on October 7, 2023, protests—including rallies, demonstrations, campaigns, and vigils—have taken place across the United States, reflecting a global wave of demonstrations related to the conflict.... The protests criticized U.S. support for Israel, Israel’s military actions in Gaza, and alleged war crimes. Jewish groups and some U.S. government staff also took part in these demonstrations.
By December 5, over 1 million Americans had joined more than 2,600 protests nationwide—442 in support of Israel and 2,100 in support of Palestine. Pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses intensified starting April 17, 2024, and have continued into 2025.

## National

On Black Friday, pro-Palestinian protests took place across the United States, with activists calling to “shut it down” for Palestine. Demonstrations were held in cities including Los Angeles, Chicago, Troy (Michigan), St. Louis (Missouri), Estero (Florida), and many others.

### 2024 presidential election protests

After the Hamas attack and the Gaza crisis, a group of progressive activists, Arab Americans, and Muslims protested against President Biden’s actions and policies, expressing their opposition through demonstrations.

### Pro-Palestinian protests on university campuses

From April 2024 through the summer, pro-Palestinian protests spread across universities in the United States and abroad as part of wider Gaza war demonstrations. The escalation, called the “student intifada” by activists, began on April 18 after mass arrests during the Columbia University campus occupation, led by anti-Zionist groups demanding the university divest from Israel over the Gaza genocide. In the U.S., more than 3,100 protesters—including students, faculty, and professors—were arrested on over 60 campuses.

Hundreds of organizations voiced support for the protests, while U.S. police crackdowns were criticized. Supporters of Israel and some Jewish students raised concerns over antisemitic incidents, drawing condemnations from international leaders. However, many student and faculty protesters, including Jewish participants, insisted the movement was not antisemitic.

## Demonstrations in the United States

Across the United States—from the Midwest and Northeast to the South and West—a wave of large pro-Palestinian demonstrations took place. These protests were held in major cities, universities, and public spaces, with thousands of people taking to the streets, chanting against the war and killings in Gaza. Protesters called for an immediate ceasefire, an end to Israel’s occupation, and a halt to U.S. military and political support for Israel.
The demonstrations were part of a broader global movement against the Gaza war and drew a diverse range of participants, including social and civil rights activists, students, university professors, religious groups of both Jews and Muslims, and ordinary citizens. On many campuses, protesters set up encampments and occupied buildings, which in some cases led to police intervention and arrests.
Despite police crackdowns and criticism from some politicians, the protests continued, attracting broad domestic and international support. Critics of U.S. policy stressed that prolonging the war in Gaza not only deepened the humanitarian crisis but also damaged America’s global image.