A group of pro-Palestinian protesters converged in Midtown Atlanta less than 90 minutes before the first presidential debate.

The demonstrators are calling for an end to Israel’s offensive in Gaza, which has displaced more than 1.8 million Palestinians in the densely populated enclave and left at least 37,000 dead.

Palestinian activist Jawahir Kamil leads protesters on 10th Street near the site of the Trump/Biden debate in Atlanta on Thursday, June 27, 2024. (Steve Schaefer / AJC)

Credit: Steve Schaefer /

icon to expand image

Credit: Steve Schaefer /

Among those in attendance was State House candidate Gabriel Sanchez, who joined the group of protesters along 10th street, blocks away from the site of the debate.

“I’m a Georgian. I was born and raised here in America, but I’m a human being first,” said Sanchez, a democratic socialist who ousted incumbent Democratic state Rep. Teri Anulewicz in last month’s primary. “Everything that’s happening in Gaza and the West Bank is horrific. We have to do everything we can to stop it.”

He said Thursday’s demonstration highlights just how many voters and organizers are passionate about bringing an end to the war.

About the Authors

Keep Reading

Displaced Palestinians with their belongings pass by destroyed buildings as they return to their homes in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City, Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, after Israel and Hamas agreed to pause their war and release remaining hostages. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Credit: AP

Featured

Mathew Palmer, a former Delta Air Lines employee, at his home in Atlanta on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025.  Palmer was fired less than two weeks after writing a post on social media about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. (Natrice Miller/AJC)