Pro-Palestinian Groups React to US Military Action in Venezuela
Pro-Palestinian activist organizations are expressing outrage following the United States’ decision to conduct military operations in Venezuela, including the arrest of Nicolás Maduro. They have labeled the action as an “imperialist invasion,” condemning what they refer to as the “genocidal US-Israel axis.” Activists are calling for protests and “direct action” both domestically and internationally.
On Saturday, U.S. officials announced that attacks were carried out on key locations in and near Caracas, resulting in Maduro and his wife’s detention. This action comes after a federal grand jury revealed charges, including narcotics trafficking and weapons offenses tied to his long-standing dictatorship.
Pro-Palestinian groups in the U.S. quickly expressed support for Venezuela instead of aligning with Washington. Campus organizations, in particular, were quick to respond, though Maduro’s history of oppression and economic struggles was largely overlooked.
Within Our Lifetime, a group known for its anti-Israel protests in major cities, described the operation in Venezuela as part of a worldwide imperialist effort. They emphasized that Venezuelan leadership has historically supported Palestine, arguing that U.S. interventions impact nations seeking independence and drawing links between Caracas and Gaza in their fight.
The Palestinian BDS National Committee (BNC), representing a significant coalition for the BDS movement, condemned the U.S. actions as “aggression” and criticized both Washington and Israel, citing them as embodiments of a “genocidal US-Israel axis.” They argue that U.S. military involvement violates Venezuela’s sovereignty and the public’s right to self-determination.
In their statement, they concluded, “Liberating Palestine means liberating all the peoples of the world.”
Palestinian National Justice Students condemned the U.S. operation, labeling it “terrorism” and an “abduction.” They criticized the pursuit of regime change as a means of escalating global conflict. The group voiced their belief that all acts of U.S. terrorism should be denounced, quoting Hugo Chávez, stating that dignified people will resist.
The Palestine Liberation Congress (from New York/New Jersey) denounced U.S. actions as “imperialist violence,” framing Venezuela, Palestine, and Iran as being under attack in a single war against oppressed peoples. They asserted a need for international solidarity.
Activists are urging street protests across the United States, linking the struggles of Venezuela and Gaza. Demonstrators in cities such as New York and Philadelphia have been seen carrying Palestinian flags and signs advocating for “Free President Nicolás Maduro” and rejecting U.S. intervention.
Supportive statements also emerged from groups like Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and Hezbollah, regarding Venezuela as part of a unified resistance against U.S. and Israeli actions. They are calling for organized protests while emphasizing the right of Venezuela to resist through armed means.
Masal Badir from the Another Revolutionary Way Movement condemned U.S. operations as a “brutal act” that violates international law, supporting Venezuela’s right to retaliate and urging protests at U.S. embassies worldwide.
Many activists assert that U.S. imperialism poses a major hinderance to social and national liberation struggles globally. They are calling for united actions in support of Venezuelans facing U.S. aggression, similar to the movements supporting Palestine.
Palestinian Islamic Jihad termed the U.S. action a “vicious invasion,” urging all liberation movements to rally alongside Venezuela against American interference. Meanwhile, Hamas framed the operation as an extension of unjust U.S. policies fueled by imperial ambitions.
The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine decried the intervention as “organized American terrorism,” equating it to the violence faced by Palestinians, and underscoring the right of Venezuela to resist these actions. Hezbollah joined the condemnation, labeling the operation as a “terrorist attack” resulting from U.S. tyranny and collaboration with Israel.
Nicolás Maduro’s controversial rule spans over a decade, marked by allegations of electoral fraud, drug-related offenses, and widespread human rights violations that have contributed to an economic crisis and mass migration. U.S. officials characterize the operation as targeting a deeply entrenched authoritarian regime with connections to organized crime.
