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Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered outside the White House on Saturday to protest Joe Bidenresponse to Israel’s ongoing military strikes against Gaza.
Footage published on social media showed police using pepper spray on protesters as demonstrators were arrested during the mass demonstration.
At least one demonstrator also held a can that emitted green and white smoke near the south side of the White House.
The demonstrator, who was dressed as the superhero character Spider-Man, he shouted along with the crowd: “Biden, Biden, we can’t wait!” See you in The Hague!”
The Hague is the Dutch city where the International Criminal Court, which prosecutes war crimes, is located.
The protest comes after criticism leveled at the president over his handling of Israel’s ongoing strikes on Gaza in response to the attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
VIDEO THREAD: Police attempted to make an arrest this afternoon outside the White House in the middle of a pro-Palestinian rally starting now.
A crowd surrounded them, chanting “let her go!” and struggled with officers who used mace against protesters and the press. pic.twitter.com/klBpDEZSF9
— Ford Fischer (@FordFischer) June 8, 2024
Saturday’s demonstration featured a coalition of groups including Code Pink and the Council on American Islamic Relations, Reuters reported.
Biden argued that Israel’s latest attacks on Rafah do not violate the US red line – or limit – on support for its ally.
The Biden administration continued to provide US weapons to Israel, even as the Israeli military launched an airstrike on a tent city in Rafah two weeks earlier which killed at least 45 people.
Saturday’s protest also comes days after Biden told Time magazine that there was “every reason” to believe that Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahuis prolonging the war in Gaza for its own political gain – accusations that the Israeli government criticizes.
On Saturday, protesters held a red banner around the perimeter of the White House to symbolize the US red line on Israel.
They also held up Palestinian flags and protest signs denouncing what they described as genocide in Gaza.
“Biden, you have blood on your hands,” read one protest sign.
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Another sign simply read: “Free Palestine.”
Demonstrators too he shouted slogans condemning the president’s response, including “Biden, Biden, you’re a traitor. Pack your bags and get the hell out!’
Protesters will reportedly surround the White House throughout the day.
Saturday marks eight months since then Israel’s war on Gaza began after 1,200 people in Israel were killed and 250 people were taken hostage during the October 7 attack.
Since the beginning of the war, more than 35,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli military attacks.
Gaza has also been thrust into a humanitarian crisis amid widespread famine and disease in the territory.
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