Dallas (CBSNewsTexas.com) – Hundreds of people gathered in North Texas on Sunday in support of both Palestine and Israel as the conflict between Hamas and Israel continues.
In Dallas, a large crowd chanted outside City Hall in support of those affected in Gaza during anti-Palestinian protests. Organizers said they were surprised but satisfied with the number of participants.
“When the Palestinian people stand up, we stand up too,” said Raneem al-Hendi, a member of the Dallas chapter of the Palestinian Youth Movement.
The Health Ministry said Sunday that Israeli airstrikes have killed more than 2,670 people, including hundreds of children, and injured more than 9,600.
Hundreds of thousands of people have fled in Gaza, and Israeli forces issued a warning It was announced on Thursday that all residents of northern Gaza should evacuate to the south of the enclave, raising hopes that an Israeli invasion was imminent.
The Texas Stand with Israel event in Irving quickly reached capacity.
Supporters said the purpose of the event in Irving was to show support and hope that their loved ones and all Israelis come through this situation safely.
At one point, the entire crowd shouted, “Let my people go!”
Israel says at least 1,300 people, most of them civilians, have been killed in the area since Hamas launched a coordinated multi-pronged military operation. Attack from Gaza Stripthe Palestinian territory that it has ruled for many years.
FBI Director Christopher Wray says threats in the U.S. are growing Since the attack on Israel by Hamas.
He said Jews and Muslims, as well as their institutions and places of worship, are under threat in the United States, and the agency is “moving quickly to mitigate” the threat.