Israel Protests around the US Capitol ahead of Netanyahu speech
Ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to the US Congress, scores of protesters have gathered around the Statehouse in Washington. The various protests gained momentum around midday (local time). At a pro-Palestinian rally, speakers called on Joe Biden's US government to completely stop military aid to Israel, among other things. They accused Israel of "genocide" in the Gaza Strip and accused Biden, his deputy Kamala Harris and the top members of the US parliament of participating in it. Numerous Palestinian flags were displayed.
24.07.2024, 19:21
SDA
At another location in the parliamentary district, Jewish demonstrators gathered with Israel flags. They also directed their protest against Netanyahu. One participant said that Netanyahu did not represent the Israeli people. Security around the Capitol had been drastically increased because of the visit. The building was cordoned off over a wide area with high fences. The police had already arrested several demonstrators the day before the speech who had protested against the Gaza war in an office building belonging to parliament.
Netanyahu's speech to both chambers of Congress is scheduled for 8 p.m. German time. Some members of parliament have announced their intention to stay away from the speech. The speech is to deal with the Gaza war, which has been raging for more than nine months. Relatives of Israeli hostages accompanying Netanyahu on his US trip are hoping for an announcement from the head of government about a ceasefire and the release of hostages in return for Palestinian prisoners.
