Thousands of pro-Palestine protesters gathered in front of the White House on Saturday to protest Joe BidenIsrael’s response to Israel’s continued military attacks on Gaza.
Video footage posted social media showed police using pepper spray against protesters as demonstrators were arrested at the mass demonstration.
At least one protester also held a canister that belched green and white smoke near the south side of the White House.
The protester, who was dressed as the superhero character Spider-Man, shouted along with a crowd: “Biden, Biden, we can’t wait! See you in The Hague!”
The Hague is the Dutch city that houses the international criminal court that tries war crimes.
The protest comes after criticism directed at the president over his handling of Israel’s continued attacks on Gaza in response to the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas.
VIDEO LINE: Police attempted to make an arrest this afternoon in front of the White House, in the middle of the pro-Palestine rally that begins now.
A crowd surrounded them shouting “let her go!” and fought with police, who used mace against protesters and the press. pic.twitter.com/klBpDEZSF9
-Ford Fischer (@FordFischer) June 8, 2024
Saturday’s rally featured a coalition of groups including Code Pink and the Council on American Islamic Relations, Reuters report.
Biden stated that Israel’s latest attacks on Rafah do not violate the US red line – or limit – when it comes to supporting its ally.
The Biden administration continued to supply American weapons to Israel even as the Israeli military launched an airstrike on a tent city in Rafah. two weeks before which killed at least 45 people.
Saturday’s protest also comes days after Biden told Time magazine that there is “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 has criticized.
On Saturday, protesters held a red banner around the perimeter of the White House to symbolize the US red line toward Israel.
They also raised Palestinian flags and protest signs condemning what they describe as genocide in Gaza.
“Biden, you have blood on your hands,” read one protest sign.
Another sign simply read: “Free Palestine.”
Protesters also shouted slogans condemning the president’s response, including “Biden, Biden, you are a traitor. Pack your bags and get out!”
Protesters will surround the White House all day.
Saturday marks eight months since Israel’s war against Gaza began after 1,200 people in Israel were killed and 250 people taken hostage during the October 7 attack.
Since the start of the war, more than 35,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli military attacks.
Gaza has also been thrust into a humanitarian crisis due to widespread famine and disease in the territory.
