Hundreds gathered in a vigil outside the Israeli embassy in Washington, following a tragic incident where a member of the US Air Force, Aaron Bushnell, set himself on fire in protest against Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The crowd’s chant of “We will never forget our martyrs” resonated during the gathering, which served as both a political rally and a memorial service.
Signs with the poignant message “His Last Words — Free Palestine” were raised as a speaker condemned Israel’s military offensive in Gaza. People also displayed signs saying, ‘Stop US support for genocide,’ highlighting the United States’ unwavering support for the Israeli entity.
A funeral wreath and black balloons were placed at the site where Bushnell, a 25-year-old airman, carried out his protest. He livestreamed the act on Twitch, pouring an unknown liquid over himself before igniting it while shouting “Free Palestine!” His act was a stark message against the campaign of death and destruction in Gaza.
In his video, Bushnell stated, “I will no longer be complicit in genocide,” highlighting the normalization of suffering in Palestine. His protest, seen as a powerful act of resistance, deeply moved many individuals in the US and globally.
The hashtag #AaronBushnell became the top trend on social media, with one million posts on Monday.
People are making posters to honor Aaron Bushnell’s sacrifice.
Will this spark an American Spring?#FreePalestine #AaronBushnell #AmericanSpring pic.twitter.com/xxASWPewDl
— Li Jingjing 李菁菁 (@Jingjing_Li) February 27, 2024
Following the Pentagon’s acknowledgment of Bushnell’s death as a “tragic event,” there are growing demands for the Biden administration to rein in the Zionist entity and enforce a ceasefire in Gaza.
Biden Responsible!
The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has held the administration of US President Joe Biden accountable for the death of the American soldier.
In a statement released in the early hours of Tuesday, Hamas stated, “The Biden administration bears full responsibility for the death of the US Army airman, Aaron Bushnell, due to its policy of supporting the Zionist regime in its genocidal war against our Palestinian people.”
Hamas emphasized that the tragic incident highlights “the growing anger” among the American people who reject their country’s support for Israel. The movement also extended its condolences to the family and friends of the American soldier.
“Aaron Bushnell has immortalized his name as a defender of humanitarian values and the oppressed Palestinian people, just as the American activist Rachel Corrie did when she was killed by an Israeli bulldozer in Rafah in 2003,” Hamas noted.
Source: Websites (edited by Al-Manar English Website)
