In a dramatic display of solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered at the Port of Tacoma in Washington state to halt a military supply vessel they believe is destined for Israel. The protesters fear that the cargo aboard the ship, known as the Cape Orlando, may be used in Israel’s ongoing military campaign against Gaza, where over 10,000 Palestinians have lost their lives. Despite the rain and dark skies, their determination shone through as they called for a ceasefire and a reevaluation of US foreign policy regarding Israel.
Second Wave of Protests
The protest in Tacoma marked the second week in a row that the Cape Orlando faced attempts to disrupt its voyage. Last week, in Oakland, California, three protesters temporarily halted the ship’s departure by attaching themselves to the vessel’s ladder, while others breached the pier’s fence, tampering with mooring lines, according to the US Coast Guard.
Diverse Demonstrators Unite
The demonstration in Tacoma saw a diverse group of protesters, from different backgrounds and communities, coming together to voice their concerns. Indigenous warriors from the Puyallup Tribe joined the protesters, highlighting their shared history of violence and displacement. Patricia Gonzalez from the Water Warriors Council of the Puyallup Tribe emphasized the deep connection between their own experiences and the plight of Palestinians, pointing out that both communities have suffered from acts of cultural genocide.
Calls for Oversight on US Military Assistance
Amidst the protests, concerns about the US military’s assistance to Israel are growing. President Joe Biden’s recent request for an additional $14 billion in aid to Israel, on top of the already pledged $3.8 billion for 2023, has raised questions about transparency and oversight. Elias Yousif, a research analyst with the Conventional Defense Program at the Stimson Center, expressed the challenges in verifying the types of weapons being transferred from the US to Israel, citing a lack of official information.
Sarah Yager, the Washington director for Human Rights Watch, emphasized the need for oversight and accountability. The organization has called on the US to suspend the transfer of weapons to both Israel and Palestinian armed groups to prevent potential abuses. Yager stated that Congress must play a vital role in ensuring the responsible use of weaponry supplied by the United States.
The protests in Tacoma, Washington, serve as a powerful expression of concern and solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, reflecting a growing movement against US military support for Israel. While the allegations about the cargo’s content could not be immediately confirmed, the passionate demonstration underscores the importance of transparency, oversight, and international scrutiny regarding arms transfers. As the Cape Orlando finally set sail, activists and demonstrators found solace in the delay they achieved, hopeful that it would deter the use of the cargo in any future conflict.
