Protesters Gather on Capitol Hill Urging Cease-fire in Gaza
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On Capitol Hill, hundreds of protesters took to the streets on Wednesday to demand a cease-fire in Gaza. The demonstrators occupied part of the Cannon House Office Building, urging lawmakers and the Biden administration to take action.
Dressed in black T-shirts with the phrases “Jews say cease fire now” and “Not in our name” emblazoned on them, the activists sat on the floor in the rotunda of the office building, clapping and singing. They also held up large banners that read “Ceasefire” and “Let Gaza Live.”
However, the U.S. Capitol Police warned the protesters to stop demonstrating, but when they did not comply, arrests were made. In a statement shared on social media, the police clarified that protests are not allowed inside the building. It was mentioned that the protesters had entered the building legally and properly through visitor security checkpoints, and were initially permitted to gather and congregate. However, they failed to adhere to the police warnings after starting the demonstrations.
Police estimated that approximately 300 demonstrators were arrested, but noted that the number could increase as more arrests are processed. Additionally, three individuals were charged with assaulting police officers during the protest.
The demonstration was organized by the group Jewish Voice for Peace, which is a Jewish anti-Zionist organization. Prior to the sit-in, hundreds of people had gathered on the National Mall near the Capitol, calling on the Biden administration to demand a cease-fire.
Among the protesters, Hannah Lawrence, a 32-year-old from Vermont, highlighted the importance of President Biden using his power to pressure Israel in order to save innocent lives. Rabbi Linda Holtzman, 71, from Philadelphia, demanded an immediate cease-fire and urged President Biden to “open your eyes” to the devastation in Gaza. She emphasized the need to take action to end the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.
It is worth noting that Agence France-Presse contributed to this report.
Overall, the protesters demonstrated their strong stance in advocating for a cease-fire in Gaza and called on the Biden administration to use its influence to bring an end to the violence.
