Rally for peace for Israel-Hamas War briefly interrupted by counterdemonstration

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - A rally calling for peace in the Israel-Hamas war was disrupted by the Proud Boys on Sunday in downtown Wilmington

A crowd had gathered at Thalian Hall to share their feelings about the war.

“We’re here to basically fight for a humanitarian cause. We’re here to fight for humanitarian aid and also recognition that we are human as Palestinian,” said Haya Odeh, co-organizer of the rally.

The event was shortly interrupted by a group of Proud Boys, who began chants in opposition to the message of the rally. After various verbal exchanges between both parties, the Proud Boys were asked to leave by Wilmington police.

The exchanges between the two groups remained peaceful, and according to the WPD, the Proud Boys were asked to leave because they did not want to provide their identities to police.

The rally continued with attendees sharing speeches. Participants focused on those caught in the crossfire and the hope for peace.

Copyright 2023 WECT. All rights reserved.