Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered outside the White House on Saturday to protest. Joe Biden’s response to Israel’s ongoing military attacks on Gaza.
picture Posts Footage on social media showed police using pepper spray on protesters at large demonstrations as some were at risk of arrest.
At least one protester also carried a gas bottle emitting green and white smoke near the South Side of the White House.
A protester dressed as superhero character Spider-Man Shouted out “Biden, Biden, we can’t wait! See you in The Hague!” he said, along with the crowd.
The Hague is a city in the Netherlands that is home to the International Criminal Court, which prosecutes war crimes.
The protest came in response to criticism of the president over his response to Israel’s continuing attacks on the Gaza Strip following the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas.
Video Thread: Police attempted to make an arrest outside the White House this afternoon during the pro-Palestinian rally that has now begun.
The crowds surrounded them. "Let her go!" He struggled with police, who then used pepper spray on protesters and reporters. pic.twitter.com/klBpDEZSF9
— Ford Fisher (@FordFischer) June 8, 2024
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Video Thread: Police attempted to make arrests outside the White House this afternoon during the pro-Palestinian rally that has now begun.
The crowd surrounded them, chanting “Let her go!” and struggling with the officers, who then fired pepper spray at protesters and reporters. pic.twitter.com/klBpDEZSF9
— Ford Fisher (@FordFischer) June 8, 2024
Saturday’s demonstration was joined by a coalition of groups including Code Pink and the Council on American-Islamic Relations. Reuters reported..
Biden has maintained that Israel’s latest attack on Rafah does not violate U.S. red lines, or restrictions, on aid to allies.
The Biden administration continues to supply Israel with American weapons, even as the Israeli military launched airstrikes on the tent city of Rafah two weeks ago, killing at least 45 people.
Saturday’s protest came days after Biden told Time magazine he had “good reason” to believe Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was prolonging the war in Gaza for his own political gain, a charge condemned by the Israeli government.
On Saturday, protesters placed red flags around the White House to symbolize the US’s red line against Israel.
They also carried Palestinian flags and protest signs condemning the massacre in Gaza.
“Biden, you have blood on your hands,” one protest sign read.
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Another sign simply read: “Liberate Palestine.”
The demonstrators also Shouted out Slogans criticizing the president’s response were posted, such as “Biden, Biden, you’re a traitor. Pack your bags and get out!”
Protesters reportedly plan to surround the White House throughout the day.
Saturday marked eight months since Israel’s war against Gaza began, following an Oct. 7 attack that left 1,200 people dead inside Israel and 250 taken hostage.
More than 35,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli military attacks since the war began.
The Gaza Strip is in the midst of a humanitarian crisis with hunger and disease spreading across the territory.
