Clarksville, TN – On Wednesday, July 16 a small group of Palestine solidarity activists gathered here to say, “Free Palestine!” The protesters are demanding an immediate stop to the attacks on Gaza by Israel and an end to US military aid. Holding a banner that said, “Clarksville stands with Palestine” the group chanted, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!” and “Free, free Palestine!”

Since July 7 Israeli bombs have killed over 200 Palestinians, mostly women and children, nearly all civilians. Protestors said the attacks on Gaza over the last two weeks are part of the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people by the Israeli government.

Protesters condemned the heinous attacks on 15-year-old Tampa student Tariq Khdeir and his cousin Mohamed Abu Khdeir. Tariq Khdeir was visiting Palestine to attend a wedding when his cousin Mohamed was kidnapped, tortured, and burnt alive by Israeli settlers. The next day Tariq Khdeir was brutally beaten, arrested, and held without charge by an Israeli police intelligence unit. After protests around the country demanded his release from house arrest and return to the U.S., Tariq finally arrived in Florida late on July 16, 2014.

Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) at Austin Peay University organized the protest. SDS leaders say they will continue to organize in solidarity with Palestine and against U.S. war and occupation around the world.

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