Monday marks one year since Hamas forces attacked Israel, leaving 1,200 dead and taking 240 more hostage .
Since the Oct. 7 assault, Israel’s military response has resulted in the deaths of an estimated 40,000 Palestinians .
While the violence has undoubtedly changed the landscape of the Middle East, protests and demonstrations ensued worldwide. Eugene residents have been raising their voices as well.
On Oct. 5, Eugene residents gathered to commemorate one year of genocide in Gaza. More than 70 people protested at the corner of 7th and Pearl, including groups like The Raging Grannies, the Party for Socialism and Liberation, and the Springfield and Eugene Anti-Imperialist Coalition.
These protestors said they are standing in solidarity with Palestinians one year after Hamas’s attack. Although they all call for different things — divestment, ceasefire, peace around the world — they are united by their intolerance for the current state of the Middle East.
Sam Cook is a local organizer with the Party for Socialism and Liberation. He spoke at the Oct. 5 protest, after being involved in the Pro-Palestinian movement in Eugene for over a year. Cook said he isn’t burnt out yet.