Muslims perform Friday prayers, protest near Israeli Embassy in US capital

Demonstrators demand cease-fire, Biden administration end funding to Israel

By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON (AA) - A group of Muslim demonstrators gathered Friday near the Israeli Embassy in the US capital to perform Friday prayers and protest Israel's actions in Gaza.

More than 100 worshippers, carrying Palestinian flags and banners that read: "End the genocide", "I stand with Gaza" and "Stop Israeli crimes," gathered for the demonstration.

Following the prayer that was performed in the rain, demonstrators chanted "Free, Free Palestine" , "End siege in Gaza now" and "Cease-fire now." They also urged the Biden administration to halt its funding to Israel.

The demonstration coincided with the end of the latest humanitarian truce.

Early Friday, Israel and Hamas traded blame for violating terms of a seven-day humanitarian pause that began Nov. 24.

The Israeli army resumed attacks across the Gaza Strip after declaring the end of the humanitarian pause, resulting in hundreds of Palestinian casualties.

At least 178 Palestinians have been killed and 589 injured, since Israel resumed its bombing campaign, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

Kaynak: