Protesters gather near US Capitol against Israeli military actions in Gaza during Netanyahu's speech
Date
7/25/2024 9:24:03 AM
(MENAFN) On Thursday, thousands of protesters gathered near the U.S. Capitol to voice their opposition to Israel's military actions in Gaza, coinciding with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to Congress. Many demonstrators carried Palestinian flags and displayed banners accusing Netanyahu of being a “wanted war criminal,” reflecting the ongoing controversy surrounding an arrest warrant sought by the International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor. Netanyahu has strongly denied these allegations, which are part of a broader international debate over Israel's military conduct.
In a symbolic gesture, protesters set up around 30 cardboard coffins draped in Palestinian flags to honor the victims of the Gaza conflict. Several roads near the Capitol were closed due to the large number of demonstrators. As Netanyahu prepared to address Congress, a number of Democratic lawmakers announced their decision to skip the speech, citing their concerns over the significant civilian casualties and the worsening humanitarian situation resulting from the Israeli military campaign.
The protests included a diverse group of activists, from religious Jews waving Palestinian flags and carrying signs that read “Free Palestine,” to younger protesters dancing to Arabic music and holding signs demanding an end to arms sales to Israel and calling for action against alleged war crimes in Gaza. For months, pro-Palestinian groups and college students in the U.S. have organized demonstrations against the assault on Gaza, where nearly 40,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed and almost the entire population of 2.3 million has been displaced, according to health authorities in the region.
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