Hundreds gathered in Austin, Texas, to protest President Donald Trump's contentious plan to "take over Gaza" this past weekend. According to CBS Austin, demonstrators from the Palestine Solidarity Committee and supporters statewide marched down San Jacinto Boulevard to Congress Avenue, chanting and brandishing signs in solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

Against the backdrop of Trump's proposal, which includes the relocation of Palestinians and a ban on their return, local residents did not hold back their thoughts. Samier Ali, an Austin resident with roots in Gaza said, "The atrocities that I've seen with my own eyes will make your head spin, and I've seen it, and I've witnessed it, and I have to speak out for my people," he told CBS Austin. Similarly, in London, thousands echoed this sentiment in a march to the US embassy, voicing their disapproval with slogans such as "hands off Gaza."

Across the pond, the sentiment was shared as London streets were filled with protesters opposed to Trump's Gaza intervention. "I think it's completely immoral, illegal, impractical and absurd," Holocaust survivor Stephen Kapos, said at the Whitehall to Nine Elms march, according to Al Jazeera. Banners like "Stand up to Trump" and "Mr Trump, Canada is not your 51st state. Gaza is not your 52nd", were indicative of the global criticism the plan has attracted.

Despite the protests, escalations continue in the region. Hamas, which rules Gaza, released captives in what was seen as a message to Israel. "The release of the sixth batch of enemy prisoners confirms there is no way to free them except through negotiations and by adhering to the requirements of the ceasefire agreement," Hamas stated after the swap. This latest exchange, part of a ceasefire deal, saw hundreds of Palestinians freed from Israeli prisons.

As international eyes watch and protestors raise their voices, the Trump administration's Gaza proposal continues to stir deep unrest among those with stakes in the region, and among those who stand in solidarity with Palestine. The reprisal tolls, as updated by Gaza's Government Media Office, highlight the gravity of the situation wherein thousands are presumed dead under the rubble, amassing international rebuke and concern.