ALBAWABA - In light of the current Gaza crisis, an activist organization that supports Palestine organized a disruptive demonstration directed at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is scheduled to address Congress later on Wednesday.
"Rivers of Blood in Paris" Israeli fabrication by unskilled Arabic speaker, denied by HamasThe Palestinian Youth Movement posted a video on X (previously Twitter) a few hours before Netanyahu was scheduled to speak. The video purported to show Netanyahu's table at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, DC, covered with maggots and other creatures. The collective annotated the video with: "BON APPETIT!! MAGGOTS RELEASED ON THE CRIMINAL ZIONIST’S WAR TABLE! Protestors manufactured chaos at the Watergate Hotel last night so that Netanyahu, Israeli Mossad agents, and the Secret Service had no peace as they continue to terrorize our people. Mealworms and maggots (not talking about Netanyahu) were left on their banquet tables, and crickets were released on multiple floors of the hotel. Fire alarms were triggered for over 30 minutes on multiple floors to ensure that there will be no rest before Netanyahu and Congress disgrace themselves in front of the world for failing to achieve any of their military and political objectives. May their dreams be haunted by the death of our people and decay of their society. There will be no peace, there will be no rest, until the war criminal’s arrest."
In advance of Netanyahu's address to Congress on Wednesday, thousands of demonstrators poured into Washington, DC, shouting "Free, Free Palestine" and making an effort to block roadways. Since the demonstrators' goal was to hinder Netanyahu's path, police had to physically remove those who were obstructing junctions.
On Wednesday, Netanyahu was present at a memorial ceremony for former Senator Joseph Lieberman. While the majority of protestors denounced Israel, others called on Netanyahu to work with Hamas to broker a cease-fire and ensure the release of captives.
Despite disagreeing with Netanyahu's policies, a large number of Jewish Americans support the war in Gaza as a reaction to the Hamas assault on October 7. Families of Hamas captives have also demonstrated and called for the release of their loved ones via a cease-fire agreement.
The Capitol area has increased security, and many roads will be blocked throughout the week. The White House was surrounded by a barrier made of black metal on Wednesday morning. On Monday night, hundreds of demonstrators gathered in front of Netanyahu's hotel, and on Tuesday afternoon, hundreds of them participated in a flashmob-style demonstration inside the Cannon building. Approximately 200 individuals were detained by Capitol Police during the sit-in, but many more, including rabbis, were reportedly detained, according to Jewish Voice for Peace.
