SAN ANTONIO, Texas
Recent pro-Hamas protests organized by the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) in San Antonio, Texas, managed to attract around 12 attendees. This event took place on a Saturday afternoon, right near the famous riverwalk, but it barely caught the attention of the many tourists visiting the nearby Alamo.
With close to 1.5 million residents in San Antonio, the PSL’s efforts to rally socialists online have largely fallen flat. The protest aimed to address hunger in Gaza and called for an end to U.S. aid to Israel.
Observations from the protest indicated a small group donning Palestinian kefiyas and holding signs demanding to “Stop the hunger in Gaza.” Despite some loud chants amplified via bullhorns, the bustling atmosphere of a busy Saturday saw little engagement from passersby.
Among the protest participants, one individual waved a Palestinian flag and donned dark clothing, with several others addressing the crowd about the Gaza conflict. The group’s low visibility may reflect a broader disinterest, especially in light of recent narratives linked to Hamas propaganda regarding food shortages.
Notably, the issue of food scarcity in Gaza is increasingly attributed to the inadequate distribution of food supplies by the United Nations and various aid organizations, rather than a genuine lack of food. Humanitarian food convoys face continual threats from Hamas and other groups, complicating assistance efforts.
Hamas often leverages the challenges of food distribution, sometimes showcasing images of suffering children unrelated to the conflict to illustrate its case about hunger.
In late July, the New York Times featured a photo in an article discussing starvation that ultimately misrepresented the situation. A boy depicted in the photo, who suffered from pre-existing health issues, was incorrectly cited as a victim of hunger.
Multiple media outlets have shared misleading images concerning the food insecurity linked to Israel’s actions against Hamas, drawing little fact-checking and perpetuating false narratives spread by radical activists.
The PSL protest also included the assertion that the recent death of Al Jazeera journalist Anas Al Sharif was a catalyst for the gathering. They claimed that he lost his life during an Israeli defense operation in Gaza on August 10. The group’s online posts emphasized a commitment to advocating for a free Palestine while honoring Al Sharif’s memory.
The IDF stated that Al Sharif was not only a journalist but also associated with Hamas. According to their posts, the military action that led to his death also killed four others during a targeted strike.
