Pro-Palestinian protests in Washington during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to a joint session of Congress drew condemnation from political leaders.
It was the latest turning point as protests continued around the US after Israel responded to a terror attack by Hamas in October. War has engulfed the Gaza Strip, with hostages still being held by Hamas.
Protesters called for a cease-fire and criticized America’s continued support for Israel, mostly in the form of weapons. Opponents of the protests say they ignore the ongoing hostage situation and repeat the terrorist organization’s talking points.
A smaller group of protesters returned on Thursday to demonstrate outside the White House, where Netanyahu is met separately With President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Joining several Republicans in condemning the protests on Wednesday, Harris, D-New York, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries strongly criticized the protesters on Thursday, with Schumer telling NBC News: “What happened at Union Station was disgusting. , offensive, wrong”.
In his statement, Harris called out the “despicable actions of patriotic protesters” and called their rhetoric “dangerous and hateful.”
He also condemned “any person associated with any terrorist organization Hamas” and “the burning of the American flag.”
“Desecrating public property, desecrating the American flag, threatening Jews with violence or promoting terrorist organizations like Hamas is unacceptable,” Jeffries told reporters at the Capitol.
Wednesday’s protest was initially led by the ANSWER (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism) Coalition and drew thousands before Netanyahu’s speech.
Flag-waving and chanting protesters clashed with Capitol police at barricades set up near the Capitol and then became more heated as they reached Union Station, a few blocks away.
Protesters tore down statues in front of Union Station (the main Amtrak stop), took American flags from flagpoles and burned them, replacing them with Palestinian flags. Several gunshots, believed to have been fired by protesters, were heard in the middle of Massachusetts Avenue, one of the main streets that feeds the circle in front of the train station.
In several cases, the police used pepper spray against the protesters and several were arrested.
During his speech on Wednesday, Netanyahu denounced the protesters and accused them of being “pro-Hamas”.
“As far as we know, Iran is funding the ongoing anti-Israel protests right now in front of this building,” the prime minister said, adding: “Well, I have a message for these protesters. Tehran tyrants hang gays from cranes, kill women for not covering their hair, praise you, preach does and finances, you have officially become Iran’s useful idiots.”
Other groups that protested Netanyahu’s visit to Washington, but did not participate in the events condemned by political leaders, were included. T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rightswhich supports Israel as a Jewish state.
The Democrats’ announcement comes as support for Israel’s war against Hamas has become a political issue for the party.
About half Democrats in Congress skipped Netanyahu’s speech on Wednesday, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California and former House Majority Whip James Clyburn of South Carolina.
In recent weeks, more Democrats have called on Netanyahu to accept the terms of the cease-fire deal. announced by Biden in May This will help return home the remaining Israeli and American hostages held by Hamas.
Frank Thorpe W contributed.