Vigils for Palestinian War Dead Spread to 100 Sites on October 7 Anniversary
Updated
Updated · Washington Monthly · Oct 7
Vigils for Palestinian War Dead Spread to 100 Sites on October 7 Anniversary
3 articles · Updated · Washington Monthly · Oct 7
Summary
More than 100 sites worldwide held vigils for Palestinians killed in the war on the third anniversary of Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, shifting the day’s focus away from the roughly 1,200 people killed in southern Israel.
The commentary argues that much of the activism reflects ignorance of key facts about the war, including Hamas’s role in the massacre, its refusal to protect civilians in Gaza, and its rejection of hostage-release negotiations.
It also contends that early pro-Palestinian rallies and statements after October 7 hardened the political divide by appearing to excuse or celebrate the attack before Israel’s military response began.
The piece says Israel’s conduct in Gaza has killed too many civilians and further damaged prospects for a two-state solution, while rejecting claims that high civilian casualties alone prove genocidal intent.
A correction removed an earlier assertion that at least half of Palestinian war dead were Hamas fighters, saying that figure is speculative and unknowable because Gaza’s health ministry does not separate fighters from civilians.