@fgtech @manton It's worth mentioning that it's exceptionally rare for sit-ins and occupations to turn violent as, by their nature, the protestors are stationary and so easily arrested and/or otherwise vulnerable. Now, what they may be is illegal which can lead to violence if the police or antagonistic civilians show up. Consider for a moment the Civil Rights movement in the southern US during the 1960s. People peacefully sitting in the wrong section of a bus or going into a white-only establishment to be served. Non-violent but breaking the law. Such protests often turned violent when the police or civilians insisted on removing or otherwise becoming physical, taking action upon someone sitting and/or otherwise attempting to occupy a space.
While the current pro-Palestinian protests are often loud and energetic, most notably when speakers are present, they are peaceful. This only changes when actions are being taken by security forces, the police or counter protestors that move into the space with the intent of physical confrontation. I think it's a dynamic that gets lost in media reporting.
I would also add that it's not just Israel that faces potential destruction. Historically the oposite is true and the US has played into the hands of Israel which has led to the actual destruction of Gaza and Palestine. In making that statement I'm not just talking about the past 8 months and current phase of the conflict but, rather, the long term conflict and violence of 100 years. Many protestors want that long-term history figured into the future - it's essential if a just, inclusive and long-term peace is to be found.