Thousands of people gathered in Washington on Wednesday to protest Benjamin Netanyahu and call for a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas, as the Israeli prime minister prepared to address the US Congress.
Crowds of people carrying Palestinian flags and signs ranging from left-wing slogans to Bible verses gathered outside the Capitol calling for a ceasefire and Netanyahu’s arrest, while prosecutors seek an International Criminal Court warrant for him.
“The hypocrisy of our (American) politicians has crossed any limits today,” Mo, a 58-year-old demonstrator, told AFP.
Netanyahu will address Congress later on Wednesday in a high-profile speech to the US government, Israel’s staunch ally in the war against Hamas.
Relations have been strained as the civilian death toll in Gaza has risen, leading to protests in the United States and growing criticism of President Joe Biden’s administration, although little has changed in the way of US military support.
Demonstrators who gathered on Wednesday called for a ceasefire and also criticized Netanyahu’s appearance in the United States.
“Seek peace and follow it,” read one sign, quoting a Bible verse, while others were designed as criminal “wanted” signs, with Netanyahu’s photos in place of the photo.
– Arrest that war criminal – it says on another.
– We are horrified by the destruction of the healthcare system in Gaza – Karameh Kuemerle from the Doctors Against Genocide organization told AFP.
