Photos of ‘Violent’ Anti-Netanyahu Protests in DC

TThousands of protesters against the war in Gaza gathered in front of the Capitol in Washington, DC, on Wednesday to condemn Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to Congress.

Pro-Palestinian activists, who promised a “day of anger” before Netanyahu’s visit, marched through the streets to call for an end to US aid to Israel and a “free Palestine.” At times, clashes broke out between protesters and authorities, who deployed pepper spray as parts of the crowd became “violent” and pushed against the police lines. At least 23 people were stuck across the capital, including six inside the House Gallery.

Netanyahu directly addressed protesters outside the Capitol during his speech, which some members of Congress did not attend in protest. “Many choose to side with evil. They are with Hamas. They stand alongside rapists and murderers,” he said. “They should be ashamed of themselves.”

Netanyahu has become one of the world’s most controversial political figures in his relentless pursuit of Israel’s dominance. mortal military campaign in the Gaza Strip following attacks in October by the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

“We need to be here. We need to say, ‘Not in our name,’” said Irene Ippolito, a protester, Al Jazeera. “As American citizens, we must realize that this could not happen without our taxpayer dollars sending tons of weapons to Israel as it massacres men, women and children in Gaza.”

Below, photos of the demonstrations and clashes in Washington this Wednesday.