Democratic representative Rashida Tlaib, who is the only Palestinian-American member of Congress held up signs reading “war criminal” and “guilty of genocide”, during Netanyahu’s speech.She also wore a Palestinian flag pin and a keffiyeh, the black and white scarf linked with the Palestinian struggle for over half a century.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) after Netanyahu’s speech she wrote: “The apartheid government of Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians. Palestinians will not be erased. Solidarity with all those outside of these walls in the streets protesting and exercising their right to dissent”.
Moreover, protesters demanding an end to US military aid to Israel gathered outside Washington’s Union Station, hoisting Palestinian flags and burning American ones in demonstrations against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit.
In a separate protest less than a mile away, police used pepper spray on some of the thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters who gathered outside the US Capitol during Netanyahu’s address to Congress. Crowds carrying Palestinian flags and signs gathered near the Capitol calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and the arrest of Netanyahu, as prosecutors seek a warrant for him at the International Criminal Court.
“Seek peace and pursue it,” read one sign, quoting a Bible verse, while others were designed as criminal “wanted” signs, with photos of Netanyahu in place of a mugshot.
“Arrest that war criminal,” read another.
The Israeli prime minister, in his address, outlined a vague plan for a “deradicalized” post-war Gaza and discussed the potential for a future alliance between Israel and America’s Arab allies.
Pro-Palestinian groups and university students have been protesting against Israel’s offensive in Gaza for months, where health authorities report nearly 40,000 Palestinian casualties. The Israeli military assault followed an attack by Hamas on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the taking of around 250 hostages, according to Israeli figures. Despite mediation efforts by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, Israel and Hamas have not yet reached a permanent ceasefire agreement.
During his address to Congress, Netanyahu criticized the protesters, accusing them of being manipulated by the Iranian regime. “When the tyrants of Tehran who hang gays from cranes and murder women for not covering their hair are praising, promoting, and funding you, you have officially become Iran’s useful idiots,” he said.
Protesters, including Oscar-winning actor Susan Sarandon, condemned the death toll in Gaza and called for the suspension of aid to Israel. “No one is free until everyone is free,” Sarandon said.
Dozens of Democratic lawmakers boycotted Netanyahu’s speech to Congress, expressing dismay over the deaths and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Source Agencies
