On Friday, independent U.S. academic and former presidential candidate Cornel West called for a massive protest on January 13th in Washington D.C. to pressure President Joe Biden's administration to put an end to the Israeli warfare in Gaza.
West accused the Biden administration of being complicit with what he described as the Israeli occupation's genocide and ethnic cleansing in the Gaza Strip. He emphasized that anyone with "morals and conscience," regardless of their affiliations, should demonstrate to push for an end to the war against Gaza.
Previously, West has criticized the American administration's stance on Israel as "unethical" and has spoken against the "double standards" of the American media when dealing with the victims of the war.
West, a philosopher who resigned from Harvard University in 2021, cited the institution's "submission to prejudice" against Palestinians, expressing at the time that the university was experiencing a state of "decay and spiritual rot".
Additionally, Harvard University President Claudine Gay announced last Tuesday her decision to step down from her position following pressure and criticism over her belief that campus demonstrations against Israel fall within the scope of "freedom of speech". This came after significant influence from pro-Israel lobby groups.
The United States has witnessed large-scale demonstrations in support of Palestinians, demanding an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, aimed at pressuring the Biden administration to end unconditional military support amid the escalating humanitarian crisis and rising casualties in the besieged territory.
