Wielding signs, flags and megaphones, an estimated 500 to 600 pro-Palestinian supporters spilled into the intersection of Fowler Ave and 56th St on Saturday, calling for peace in Gaza.
The protesters, which were overall peaceful and consisted of families and small children, chanted things like "Free Palestine," "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free," and "Hey Hey Ho Ho this occupation's got to go!"
In large, the demonstrations demanded that the U.S. cease funding Israel and for the expansion of the illegal settlements in Sheikh Jarrah and the West Bank to stop.
Saturday's massive demonstration fell on the same say as the annual Nakba Commemoration, and was organized by Black Lives Matter: Tampa, Florida For Change, various masjids and others.
While the event was by far one of the largest protests in the Tampa Bay area in recent months, it was followed up with yet another day of action on Sunday at Curtis Hixon Park. - Colin Wolf
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