On a confrontational Monday morning, protesters flocked outside the Valero Energy Corporation headquarters in San Antonio, aiming to disrupt the daily grind to spotlight their grievances over Israeli military actions in Gaza. According to KENS 5, demonstrators from various groups in San Antonio and Austin gathered to voice their solidarity with the Palestinians and their quest for liberation from what they term as unchecked violence.

The judicious use of force has been a contentious issue since Israel's military incursion in Gaza, a direct reply to the Oct. 7 terrorist strikes orchestrated by Hamas. Over the past weekend, President Biden has implored Israel to temper its military might, while concurrently, the U.S. intercepted a potential act of retribution by Iran, further stirring the pot in an already tense Middle East.

The protest at Valero's doorstep hinges on the belief that the oil giant is, in the eyes of the protesters, an accomplice, allegedly supplying jet fuel to Israel's military forces. "They want to draw attention to Valero because they believe Valero is providing jet fuel to the Israeli military," stated a spokesperson for the protesters in an interview obtained by KENS 5. Valero has yet to comment publicly on the matter, as media attempts to reach them have gone unanswered.

As the Middle East simmers with enmity, the San Antonio-based outcry reflects a global concern over the spirals of aggression that seem to spin without relent. The Biden administration's call for moderation falls at a juncture where, international politics, business interests, and grassroots activism collide — with everyday citizens taking to the streets in a bid to sway the pendulum of power. The situation at Valero remains tense, as protesters vow to maintain their blockade and keep the issue in the public eye while awaiting further developments.