Pro-Gaza Protest Erupts Ahead of Israeli PM Netanyahu's Speech

Thousands protested near the U.S. Capitol carrying Palestinian flags before Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's speech to Congress. Accusations of war crimes were prominent, with Susan Sarandon condemning the death toll. Demonstrators displayed symbolic coffins and called for halting U.S. aid to Israel amid the ongoing Gaza conflict.

Thousands of protesters, opposing Israel's war in Gaza, gathered near the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday ahead of a speech by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Congress.

The stage featured banners labelling Netanyahu a 'Wanted War Criminal,' alluding to an arrest warrant sought by the International Criminal Court. Netanyahu denies the allegations. Oscar-winning actor Susan Sarandon condemned the Gaza death toll from the stage saying, 'No one is free until everyone is free.'

Protesters displayed 30 cardboard coffins wrapped in Palestinian flags to remember those killed in Gaza. Roads near the Capitol were blocked, and some protesters traveled long distances to attend, like Bradley Cullinan from Ohio. Dozens of Democratic lawmakers boycotted Netanyahu's speech, decrying civilian deaths in Gaza.

Pro-Palestinian groups and university students have protested for months against Israel's offensive, which health authorities say has killed nearly 40,000 Palestinians and displaced almost all of Gaza's 2.3 million residents. The conflict followed an Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants, killing 1,200 Israelis and taking 250 hostages. ICC prosecutors claim Netanyahu, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leaders bear criminal responsibility for alleged war crimes.