Seattle Pro-Palestine Marches Mark Three Years of Gaza War Amid Vandalism Reports
Dozens of demonstrators marched through Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood on October 7, 2026, to mark the third anniversary of the Gaza war. The protest, organized by groups including Nidal, moved from Cal Anderson Park to Seattle Central College, blocking traffic on Broadway and Denny. While the march concluded peacefully around 2:10 PM, police reported instances of tagging, vandalism, and one arrest for theft. The event coincided with global commemorations of the October 7, 2023 attacks, which sparked a conflict that has resulted in over 74,000 Palestinian deaths and 1,200 Israeli deaths.
Key points
- Protesters marched from Cal Anderson Park to Seattle Central College, temporarily blocking Broadway and Denny around 1:30 PM.
- Seattle Police Department reported the demonstration concluded around 2:10 PM, with one arrest for theft but no arrests for property damage.
- Organizers, including the Palestinian liberation group Nidal, described the event as a citywide walkout marking three years of US-funded genocide in Gaza.
- Police identified suspects for reported tagging and vandalism near the march and at local businesses, including a kosher restaurant, but delayed arrests for safety reasons.
- The King County Sheriff’s helicopter unit monitored the area, which SPD confirmed was standard protocol for large protests to maintain distance from participants.
Background
This demonstration occurred on the third anniversary of the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attacks on Israel, which triggered a war in Gaza. Previous coverage notes that despite a ceasefire declared in October 2025, violence has continued, with over 1,400 Palestinians killed since its implementation. The conflict has resulted in over 74,000 Palestinian deaths and 1,200 Israeli deaths, with significant humanitarian consequences and stalled peace negotiations.
How outlets are covering it
CHS Capitol Hill Seattle News and FOX 13 Seattle reported the march as a pro-Palestine demonstration marking three years of the Gaza war, noting police presence and property damage. MyNorthwest.com emphasized the lack of arrests for vandalism despite identified suspects and highlighted the vandalism of a kosher restaurant. Al Jazeera reported on similar protests in Colombia, focusing on opposition to diplomatic ties with Israel, but did not cover the Seattle event. Commenters on CHS expressed divided views, with some criticizing the timing of the protest as insensitive to victims of the October 7 attacks, while others defended the right to protest against the ongoing war in Gaza.
Why it matters
The protest highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the Gaza conflict three years after its start, reflecting local community divisions and the continued impact of the war on global discourse. The incident also underscores police management of large demonstrations and the challenges of balancing public safety with protest rights.
What to watch
Police are expected to make arrests for the identified vandalism suspects when it is deemed safe. The broader conflict in Gaza remains unresolved, with ongoing violence despite the 2025 ceasefire, and global protests are likely to continue as the anniversary marks a significant milestone in the war.
- 10/7 demonstrators march on Capitol Hill to mark three years of Gaza war — UPDATE CHS Capitol Hill Seattle News
- Multiple demonstrations in Seattle 3 years after October 7 attack FOX 13 Seattle
- Pro-Palestinian march in Capitol Hill concludes with no arrests; property damaged reported MyNorthwest.com
- Protesters in Colombia rally against ties with Israel Al Jazeera
- Map Shows Pro-Palestinian Protests Across US On October 7 Anniversary Newsweek
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on CHS Capitol Hill Seattle News