As Trump meets Netanyahu, protesters chant: ‘Palestine is not for sale’

As U.S. President Donald Trump called for a "cleansing" of Gaza and demanded that the U.S. "own" the area, hundreds of protesters rallied outside the White House, warning him that "Palestine is not for sale." The protests reflected strong dissatisfaction with the Trump administration's Middle East policy, as well as deep concern for the fate of the Palestinian people. These demonstrations underscored the complex relationship between the U.S. and the region.

On Tuesday evening, hundreds of protesters gathered in Washington, D.C., to protest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to the White House and to call on the Trump administration to stop providing weapons to Israel. Protesters chanted "Free Palestine" and condemned Israeli atrocities, while security was tight at the scene. This protest highlighted the growing opposition to Israeli policies within the United States, illustrating the diverse opinions present in American society.

Activist Michael Hiltzik stated that the American people do not want their tax dollars to be used to kill Palestinians. Hiltzik dismissed Trump's call for the cleansing of Gaza, calling it a "crazy" position. He emphasized: "The Palestinian people are not going anywhere, they are the indigenous people of this land. To say that you are going to replace them is a colonizer's mentality." His statement reflects a deep understanding of the historical context of the conflict.

Sofia Ahmed, a 24-year-old Iranian-American protester, struggled to find the words to describe Trump's call for the mass expulsion of the people of Gaza. She stated: "The fact that he is president is sickening. He is a fascist, a psychopath, a narcissist. But it's important to still stand up." She emphasized that Netanyahu is a fugitive wanted by the International Criminal Court, wanted for alleged war crimes in Gaza, including the use of starvation as a weapon of war. Her remarks reflect the strong emotions surrounding the ongoing conflict.

Mohammed Kassem, an organizer with the Palestinian Youth Movement, said that protesters were outraged that "war criminal" Netanyahu was invited to Washington, D.C. Kassem said: "We took to the streets to protest to make it clear that he is not welcome in our city." He also added that there is "absolutely no way" Trump will succeed in driving Palestinians out of Gaza. "We have seen the determination, steadfastness, and love for the land that the people of Gaza have shown over the past 15 to 16 months. If Donald Trump thinks that our people are going to cave and leave their land, he is sorely mistaken." These statements highlight the resilience and determination of the Palestinian people.

Osama Abuirshaid, executive director of American Muslims for Palestine, said that Trump should not allow Netanyahu to manipulate him and called on the U.S. president to change U.S.-Israeli relations. He believes that Trump has an opportunity to show the world who is "the boss" and usher in a new era. Medea Benjamin, co-founder of the anti-war organization Code Pink, also said that Trump has a "golden opportunity" to pursue peace in the Middle East. She added that Netanyahu should be tried for his atrocities against the Palestinians, not invited to the White House. These comments suggest a desire for a more balanced and just approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Nihad Awad, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), said he condemned Trump's call to expel Palestinians from Gaza. "Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people, not to the United States, and President Trump's call to expel Palestinians from their land, whether temporarily or permanently, is absolutely unacceptable. Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the entire Muslim world have made it clear that this delusional idea is unacceptable." His statement underscores the widespread opposition to the displacement of Palestinians and the importance of international consensus on the issue.