Pro-Palestinian Rally in Philadelphia Calls for Ceasefire in Gaza (+Video)
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Pro-Palestinian activists gathered near the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, as they protested against US policies on the Israeli war in Gaza while the presidential debate occurred nearby.
The demonstration coincided with the presidential debate between Republican former president Donald Trump and Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, drawing attention to US foreign policy on the conflict.
Protesters, led by groups including the Philly Palestine Coalition, rallied against US support for Israel, chanting slogans and holding signs demanding an end to the violence in Gaza.
Lady Soule, a 34-year-old from Philadelphia, voiced her dissatisfaction with Vice President Harris' stance, stating, “I consider myself a liberal, but I’m really not into supporting her unless she’s gonna change.” Soule, alongside her family, joined the crowd of demonstrators marching from City Hall to the debate site.
As tensions rose, police in riot gear clashed with protesters near Fourth and Market Streets. Protest organizers reported that at least three people were detained when police attempted to disperse the crowd. Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact number of arrests.
The pro-Palestinian protesters represented the largest faction at the scene, overshadowing smaller groups advocating for other causes. Despite the heightened security and heavy police presence, demonstrators remained steadfast in their calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.