Washington, July 24 (RHC)-- Anti-war protesters were closing down the streets of Washington, DC, on Wednesday to condemn Israel’s barbaric campaign of death, destruction and genocide in the besieged Gaza Strip.
And at the same time, Benjamin Netanyahu was addressing US Congress, receiving standing ovations and lavish praise for the fine job he is doing in Gaza.
Demonstrators with signs reading, “Arrest Netanyahu” and “End all US aid to Israel” chanted “Free, free Palestine!” following a sit-in at a congressional office building that resulted in 400 arrests the previous day.
Protest organizers obstructed Netanyahu's path to the building, which led to the police forcibly dispersing those blocking an intersection, firing tear gas and violently arresting dozens. The organizers announced that six intersections leading to the Capitol were “claimed by the Palestinian people.”
“Bibi, Bibi, We’re not done! The intifada has just begun!” protesters shouted, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname, as other demonstrators chanted: “Netanyahu, you can’t hide. You’re committing genocide.”
“We protest this homicidal maniac, his supporters and his enablers [Democrats and Republicans in the U.S. Congress]. And we demand his arrest,” shouted Zeina Hutchinson, director of development for the Arab American Anti-Discrimination Committee, after reading off the names of several Palestinian journalists Israel has killed.
On Monday evening, shortly after he arrived in Washington, protesters gathered outside Netanyahu’s hotel in the U.S. capital. On Tuesday afternoon, hundreds of demonstrators organized a flashmob-style protest inside the Cannon Building, which houses offices of House members.
The Capitol Police reported some 200 arrests on Tuesday related to the sit-in at the Cannon building. According to Jewish Voice for Peace, the number of those arrested was closer to 400 -- including rabbis and Jewish leaders who were also taken into custody.
Organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, protesters dressed in red T-shirts emblazoned with “Not in Our Name” occupied the building’s rotunda. They sat on the floor, displayed signs, and chanted “Let Gaza Live!”
