CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- As conversations and protests continue over the Israel-Hamas war, you might notice that on and off social media, a certain fruit has become a symbol for Palestinian support.
In protests and social media conversations across the world, you may have noticed illustrations and emojis of watermelon slices.
Hundreds of posters could be seen across Chicago this week as supporters of Palestinians celebrated the city council's decision to pass a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
illustrations of a watermelon wedge could be seen on some of the posters.
The fruit grows in Gaza and the West Bank and has the same four colors -- red, green, black, and white --- as the Palestinian flag. For decades, Palestinians have used it as a symbol of identity and resistance.
And now, even people who have no connection to Palestine or Israel are using the fruit as a symbol of solidarity with Palestinians in the war between Israel and Hamas.
The Gaza health ministry said more than 27,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 66,000 wounded since Oct. 7. It did not specify the number of women and children among the dead, but in previous counts they have constituted up to two-thirds of the toll. The ministry’s count does not differentiate between civilians and combatants.
The war was sparked when hundreds of Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 people hostage. Israel says it has killed thousands of militants in the war, without providing the basis for its count.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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