Palestinians Shut Streets of Austin TX

 

Palestinian protesters set off smoke as they shut down the streets of Austin, TX calling for a “ceasefire” from Israel. pic.twitter.com/SYRd0Ywf70

— Savanah Hernandez (@sav_says_) November 12, 2023

Palestinian demonstrators in Austin, Texas, rode horses, let of smoke flares and waved flags as they called for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, footage from the protest shows.

An estimated 10,000 people took to the streets of the Texas capital on Sunday, chanting phrases including "occupation is a crime" and "Palestine will never die." Placards held by protestors called for an end to U.S. aid to Israel and claimed that "Hamas is the excuse."

Organized by the Palestine Solidarity Committee, the demonstration began at the Texas State Capitol and progressed through Austin's streets "to show support for the steadfast people of Gaza, urgently demand an immediate ceasefire, an end to Texas and U.S. aid to Israel, and an immediate end to U.S.-sponsored violence in Gaza," the organization said.

It claimed that Texas allocates $2.9 million a year to Israel for "funding war crimes, home demolitions, settlement construction, and the ongoing onslaught of the Gaza Strip," adding: "Our tax dollars are funding this genocide."

While Texas Governor Greg Abbott has pledged an extra $4 million to Jewish organizations in Texas for additional security since the violence in the Middle East erupted, it is unclear if the funding for Israel claim is accurate. Newsweek reached out to the governor's office via email for comment on Monday.