Hundreds gathered at Moore Square in downtown Raleigh on Sunday afternoon, in solidarity with the Palestinian people.
The event was organized by a coalition of local groups, including the Refund Raleigh, North Carolina Green Party and Voices for Justice in Palestine.
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They marched through the streets of Downtown Raleigh, chanting "Free Palestine" and "End the Occupation," referring to what they call--Israel's "takeover" of what they believe is their land.
Many people expressed their strong disapproval of additional U.S. aid to Israel.
Just Wednesday, President Biden requested more than a hundred-billion dollars of military aid be sent to Israel and Ukraine.
With several pro-Palestinian rallies around the Triangle, there has been a wide range of opinions; some believe a peaceful two-state solution can exist and others believe the land is entirely Palestinian.
"Palestinians have been living under a violent, illegal occupation of their land since 1948 and it's only gotten more violent as Israel has strengthened its Allyship with the Western world," Noor Abualhawa, Palestinian-American, said.
Pro-Israel rally
Just a few hours before the Palestinian rally, organizers held a pro-Israel demonstration in another part of downtown.
Dozens of people attended, in which they called for hostages taken by Hamas to be returned to Israel.
Many also countered Palestinian opinions that it's Israel conducting so-called "genocide" on Palestinians.
They feel that Palestinians are in favor of trying to eradicate Israel.
"It's ridiculous because if there's any kind of genocide going on it's a genocide by Palestinians and Muslims more generally," Matt Diamond, a pro-Israel, said.
Both of these demonstrations remained peaceful, with law enforcement officers present.
Even though this conflict is happening overseas, numerous individuals are experiencing its impact directly within their communities.
Many have relatives residing in Israel and Gaza, causing them great concern and worry for the safety of their loved ones.