RAMALLAH – August 1, 2025
Thousands of Palestinians took to the streets across the occupied West Bank on Sunday in a coordinated show of defiance against the ongoing Gaza war and in solidarity with Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli detention.
📍 Ramallah Sees One of the Largest Demonstrations
The largest march unfolded in Ramallah, the de facto administrative capital of the Palestinian Authority, located just north of Jerusalem. Protesters waved Palestinian flags and held up photos of the dead, the imprisoned, and starving children in Gaza, where the UN has warned that a famine is unfolding.
🗣️ “My Son Is Starving in Prison”
Among the protesters was Rula Ghanem, a Palestinian academic and writer whose son is incarcerated in Israel’s Megiddo Prison. Speaking to local media, she said:
“My son suffers from a lack of medicine and food. He’s lost 10 kilograms and has developed scabies in jail.”
The Palestinian Commission of Detainees’ and Ex-Detainees’ Affairs says the number of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel has skyrocketed since the war began — not only for violent offenses, but also for political speech on social media.
Spokesman Thaer Shriteh criticized the silence of global powers:
“The international community is complicit in this suffering as long as it fails to act swiftly to save the Palestinian people — especially the prisoners.”
👻 Symbolic Protest: Skeletons and Dolls Representing Gaza’s Children
A striking image from the march included protesters dressed as skeletons and carrying dolls, symbolizing the devastating toll on Gaza’s children, who are especially vulnerable to malnutrition under the current blockade.
🚫 Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Gaza
Human rights groups and UN agencies have repeatedly criticized Israel’s restriction of aid to the Gaza Strip — an area already under siege for over 15 years.
While some food is allowed in, analysts report it is often looted or diverted due to lack of infrastructure and oversight in the besieged enclave.
“We hope our protest today will support our people in Gaza — especially the hungry children,” said Tagreed Ziada, a 39-year-old marcher in Ramallah.
🌐 Widespread West Bank Mobilization
Demonstrations were held in other major cities including:
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Nablus (North)
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Hebron (South)
Many government employees were given the day off to join the marches — a rare move reflecting the seriousness of the situation and the unusual level of coordination between cities.
While smaller protests against the Gaza war have taken place throughout the conflict, coordinated, multi-city mobilizations across the West Bank remain uncommon — making Sunday’s protest a significant event.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Protest Locations | Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron (West Bank) |
| Main Issues | Gaza war, Palestinian prisoners, hunger crisis |
| Notable Symbolism | Skeleton costumes, dolls for malnourished children |
| International Concern | UN warns of “famine unfolding” in Gaza |
| Prisoner Testimonies | Lack of medicine, food, and basic care |
| Govt. Employee Participation | Permitted day off for protest attendance |
| Coordinated Demonstration | Rare multi-city action |
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