Thousands of protesters gathered in Washington, DC to demonstrate against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to Congress. Activists outside called for Netanyahu to be tried for abuses linked to Israel’s war in Gaza, with many labeling him a war criminal. Demonstrators, some waving Palestinian flags and holding effigies of a blood-stained Netanyahu, chanted “free Palestine” as the speech took place. Despite bipartisan support from top legislators, dozens of lawmakers boycotted the address in solidarity with the protesters’ concerns.
Security measures were tight as protesters braved the summer heat and a heavy police presence to voice their opposition. Some protesters expressed outrage at the US government’s support for Israel and called for an end to the violence against Palestinians. Others compared Netanyahu to Nazi leader Adolf Hitler and called for his arrest for alleged war crimes in Gaza.
During the speech, Netanyahu defended the Israeli war in Gaza, vowing to continue until “total victory,” despite efforts for a ceasefire. He criticized antiwar protesters in the US, accusing them of siding with Hamas. In response, protesters outside the Capitol condemned Netanyahu as a “genocidal maniac” and called for an end to the violence against Palestinians. The demonstrations underscored the deep divide over US policy towards Israel and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
