On Friday afternoon, a group of Charleston residents gathered in Marion Square to hold a silent protest against the ongoing violence in Gaza. The demonstration, which included healthcare workers, veterans, and educators, aimed to bring attention to the suffering of Palestinian civilians amidst the continued bombardment by Israeli forces.
The Purpose of the Silent Protest
The protest was a solemn and peaceful demonstration, with participants holding signs and images showing the devastation in Gaza, particularly focusing on the images of starving, emaciated, and dead Palestinian children.
The organizers called the event a “unified and nonviolent act of moral conscience,” demanding an end to complicity in Israel’s occupation of Gaza and a shift in U.S. foreign policy toward human rights and justice.
Leigh M., a participant in the protest, spoke about the dire situation in Gaza: “For over 20 months, Gaza has endured a relentless siege, after decades of occupation by Israel. Today, the region is on the brink of total collapse.
Children are starved, maimed, suffer and die, while humanitarian aid is blocked or bombed. The children depicted in our protest may die within days without intervention. We are witnessing a genocide in real time, and our collective inaction makes us complicit.”
Casualties and Continued Violence in Gaza
The ongoing violence has resulted in heavy casualties. According to Reuters, at least 42 people were killed in Gaza during a series of recent attacks. Among the victims was Mohammed al-Farra, a civilian with cerebral palsy, who was reportedly killed in a drone strike.
The Israeli military claimed he was a fighter with Hamas, but the attack sparked further outrage among residents and humanitarian groups. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation also accused Hamas of killing five staff members and wounding others during an attack on a bus traveling to a food distribution center.
As the humanitarian crisis continues, at least 15 people were killed near the Gaza Health Foundation’s aid distribution site, and thousands more have been injured. The ongoing 15-week blockade by Israel has made it increasingly difficult for civilians to access food and medical aid.
Broader Regional Tensions
The protest also highlighted the broader geopolitical situation, including recent tensions between Israel and Iran. Following Israel’s bombing campaign targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, which resulted in the deaths of top commanders and civilians, Iran retaliated with missile and drone strikes on Israel. These exchanges have further fueled the regional crisis, killing three people and injuring 76.
Support and Future Demonstrations
While the protest in Charleston was somber, organizers said the public response was overwhelmingly supportive. The demonstration served as a powerful reminder of the human toll the ongoing violence is having on Gaza’s civilians. Organizers have announced that similar protests will take place in other locations in the coming weeks to continue raising awareness and pushing for change.
