A multitude of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered at the Port of Tacoma in Washington State to obstruct a military supply vessel suspected of transporting weaponry from the United States to Israel.
Their apprehension revolves around the possible utilization of the arms on board in Israel’s ongoing military campaign against the Gaza Strip, where the death toll has surged past 10,000 Palestinian lives.
“We urgently call for an immediate ceasefire, an end to the loss of innocent lives, and a comprehensive review of US foreign policy and financial support for Israel,” emphasized Wassim Hage, one of the participants in the Tacoma rally.
Hage, who serves as a case manager and community outreach coordinator for the Arab Resource and Organizing Center (AROC), the organization behind the demonstrations, disclosed that a confidential source had alerted AROC to the vessel’s alleged cargo of military equipment destined for Israel, fueling its ongoing military offensive in Gaza.
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Al Jazeera was unable to verify this claim at the time. In response to an inquiry from the publication, Jeff Jurgensen, a spokesperson for the Pentagon, acknowledged the ship’s role in facilitating the “movement of US military cargo” but declined to provide further information. He explained, “In the interest of operational security, the US Department of Defense does not disclose transportation or cargo details for these vessels.”
This marked the second protest staged against the vessel in Tacoma. Amid the steady drizzle, the ship, identified as the Cape Orlando, faced demonstrators of all ages, clad in raincoats, puffer jackets, and clutching umbrellas, as they marched in unison outside the dock.
The crowd brandished the Palestinian flag, carried placards bearing slogans such as “Defend Gaza,” and chanted fervently with cries of “Free Palestine” and “Not another nickel, not another dime, no more money for Israel’s crimes!”
To heighten their demonstration’s impact, activists employed bicycles and cars, their hazard lights flashing, to obstruct traffic surrounding the port.
Also, seven Indigenous warriors in a ceremonial canoe encircled the waters in close proximity, further obstructing the vessel’s path.