Activists in the DMV rallied in support of Palestinians in mid-May as Israeli bombs rained mercilessly on the oppressed Arab people in occupied territories. Multiple protests have been held across the region, from DC to Northern Virginia and parts of Maryland.

Protests began — in the DMV, across the US and all over the world — following the Israeli government’s assault on Palestinian residents in Sheikh Jarrah, a predominantly Palestinian neighborhood in East Jerusalem. Occupation forces responded to residents protesting their forced expulsion by Israeli settlers in East Jerusalem with violent aggression. What’s more, the Israeli government also attacked Muslim worshipers in the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site in Islam, during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

As tensions grew, so did the Israel military’s response, which culminated in a horrific, 11-day bombardment of Gaza that killed over 200 people — 66 of whom were children.

The Democratic Socialists of America quickly voiced support to Palestinians in a statement released on May 13:

You can read the full statement here.

Below are photos from the Saturday, May 15 Nakba 73 protests in DC, when thousands from across the DMV region rallied to show their support.