Thousands rally on Capitol Hill demanding Netanyahu’s arrest and Gaza cease-fire during his address to Congress

WASHINGTON:

Thousands of protesters marched on the US Capitol on Wednesday to protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and call for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, as the Israeli prime minister prepared to address the US Congress.

Crowds carrying Palestinian flags and signs ranging from left-wing slogans to Bible verses gathered near the Capitol demanding a ceasefire and Netanyahu’s arrest as prosecutors seek a warrant for him at the International Criminal Court.

Minor clashes broke out as police fired pepper spray at some protesters to redirect the demonstration as it approached the US government headquarters, the scene of a riot by Trump supporters on January 6, 2021.

Several protesters are seen washing their eyes and faces after the clash. “The hypocrisy of our politicians today has gone beyond all limits,” said Mo, a 58-year-old protester. AFP.

Relations have grown strained as the civilian death toll in Gaza has risen, leading to protests in the United States and growing criticism from President Joe Biden’s administration, though little has changed in the way of US military support.

Ahead of Netanyahu’s speech, security was reportedly increased at the Capitol, much of which was closed to the public on Wednesday, The Hill reported.

Meanwhile, a group of Congress political leaders was planning a strike, one said AFP without offering further details.

Protesters who gathered on Wednesday called for a ceasefire, while also criticizing Netanyahu’s appearance in the United States and Israel’s long-standing policies toward the Palestinians.

“Seek peace and pursue it,” read one sign, quoting a Bible verse, while others were designed as “wanted” signs for criminals, with pictures of Netanyahu in place of a cannon. “Arrest this war criminal,” read another.

Palestinian and Jewish organizers stood on a stage and denounced both the United States and the Israeli government for “genocide,” calling for a “citizen’s arrest” of Netanyahu.

“Stop US aid to Israel,” said 24-year-old protester Yudyth Hernandez AFP from the crowd, saying instead that such money would be better used to “fund our schools.”

“We are horrified by the destruction of the health system in Gaza,” said Karameh Kuemmerle of Doctors Against Genocide. AFP.

“And we are here to show our opposition to the criminal Netanyahu coming to our capital and being greeted by the politicians who sent him weapons to kill children in Gaza,” said the doctor, who traveled to Washington from Boston.

Speaking from the stage, Mark Diamondstein, president of the American Postal Workers Union, which along with six other major US unions recently called for a ceasefire, said taxpayer money “should never be used to bomb, maim and kill innocent children, women and men.”

Israel has recently stepped up its attacks on Gaza, and Netanyahu has insisted that only a buildup of military pressure can free the hostages and defeat Hamas.