26 Jul. 24: On Wednesday, pro-Palestinian protestors lowered and burned an American flag near the US Congress, replacing it with a Palestinian flag in a demonstration against US policy in the Middle East and the Israeli military actions in Gaza. The protest occurred in front of Union Station, close to where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was addressing a joint session of Congress, reports Reuters.
Hundreds of demonstrators voiced their discontent with the ongoing violence against civilians in Gaza and other parts of Palestine. The protest escalated with the burning of a large American flag and the raising of a smaller Palestinian flag. Law enforcement arrested six individuals at the scene. Videos circulating online showed the protestors chanting pro-Hamas and anti-Israeli slogans.
The demonstration coincided with Netanyahu’s congressional address, with additional protests erupting across the city. Outside Netanyahu’s hotel, more protestors gathered, chanting against the Israeli Prime Minister.
In response to the protests, security measures were heightened around important government buildings, including the White House and the US Capitol. Police deployed pepper spray to disperse protestors near the Capitol.
Reports from The Washington Post indicated that 23 individuals were arrested during the protests. The arrests included 15 by D.C. and Capitol Police, and eight by the U.S. Park Police. Demonstrators also burned an effigy of Netanyahu during the protests.
These protests highlight the deep-seated tensions surrounding US foreign policy in the Middle East and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The actions of the protestors, including the burning of the US flag, underscore the intensity of opposition to the current situation in Gaza and broader Palestinian territories.
