Thousands of protesters against the war in Gaza converged on Washington to condemn Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit, chanting “Free, free Palestine” as they marched toward the Capitol before police deployed pepper spray on some in the crowd.
Demonstrators on Wednesday calling for an end to the war that has killed more than 39,000 Palestinians filled several blocks as they weaved through the streets of the nation’s capital carrying Palestinian flags and signs with messages such as “arrest Netanyahu” and “end all U.S. aid to Israel.”
Outside Washington’s Union Station, protesters removed American flags and hoisted Palestinian ones in their place to massive cheers in the crowd.
“Bibi, Bibi, We’re not done! The intifada has just begun!” protesters shouted, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname. “Netanyahu, you can’t hide. You’re committing genocide,” others shouted.
Throngs of demonstrators rallied near the Capitol before starting their march ahead of Netanyahu’s joint address to Congress, but police blocked them from getting close to the building. Police said they used pepper spray after some protesters became “violent” and “failed to obey” orders to move back from the police line.
Before Netanyahu’s speech, some protesters tried to block his route to the Capitol but were removed from the street by police.
After being turned away by officers, they wound through the Capitol Hill neighbourhood for several blocks before gathering in front of the nearby rail station.
Outside of Union Station, at least four protesters were handcuffed and taken away.
Protesters shouted, “Let them go!” at officers who formed a circle.
One person grabbed at a police officer’s riot shield and then raised his fists in a fighting stance.
An officer was seen grabbing a Palestinian flag from a woman and tossing it aside.
At least one protester appeared to be overcome from the effects of pepper spray.
