Michigan Democratic leader goes on hunger strike for Gaza

• The national hunger strike also includes actor and activist Cynthia Nixon, Delaware State Rep. Madinah Wilson-Anton, New York Rep. Zohran Mamdani, Oklahoma Rep. Mauree Turner and Virginia Rep. Sam Rasoul, according to Time.

What's happening: Aiyash traveled to Washington, D.C., on Wednesday with other participants "to show that this issue is incredibly important," and to urge President Biden to support a permanent stop in violence and the safe return of all hostages and prisoners.

Catch up quick: Hundreds of people across the area participated in demonstrations supporting Palestinian civilians over the holiday weekend:

• Hundreds marched outside Somerset Mall on Black Friday in Troy.
• The next day, a rally took place outside the Capitol in Lansing.
• Demonstrators also rallied outside the governor's mansion Saturday night and interrupted Ypsilanti's tree lighting celebration on Sunday.

• And activists left a letter on U.S. Sen. Gary Peters' home after protesting outside.

Meanwhile, rifts among progressive Democrats over the issue have existed since before the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attack that left roughly 1,200 Israelis dead — but a debate over protest methods outside politicians' homes and on roadways played out over social media following the protests last weekend.

What's next: When asked whether the issue could prevent him from supporting Biden in 2024, Aiyash told Axios, "I'm disappointed, but I think that '24 is a long time from now."