Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters are set to descend on Washington for a “day of rage” over the war in Gaza as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses Congress on Wednesday, organizers have warned.
This announcement follows Netanyahu’s statement that he would “present the truth about our just war” during his first trip outside Israel since the Israel-Hamas conflict began.
Ahmad Abuznaid, executive director of the US Campaign for Palestinian Rights and a chief organizer, said protesters would “make the statement that war criminals like Netanyahu are not welcome” in the United States.
Netanyahu was invited by Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson to give his first address to Congress in nine years. Johnson has warned against protests inside the House chamber, stating there would be arrests “if we have to do it.”
However, organizers anticipate the streets will be filled with furious demonstrations.
Reem Assil, a member of the Arab Resource and Organizing Center, said she is traveling from California to protest the deaths of family members and other civilians in the “mass slaughter” in Gaza.
“The idea of the man responsible for these atrocities being allowed to come here channels my rage,” she said. “I’ve lost over 40 members of my family and work through grief every day to remain committed to showing up for my people. This is a huge moment.”
The war in Gaza was triggered when Hamas invaded Israel on October 7 last year, killing approximately 1,200 people and kidnapping 251 Israelis and foreigners.
The Hamas-run health ministry reports that more than 39,000 Palestinians have since been killed in the Israeli response. Israel denies accusations of war crimes.
Netanyahu is also scheduled to meet President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump at the White House.
Jinan Deena, a Palestinian-American from the Washington area, said she and others are “gearing up for a day of rage” against Netanyahu’s visit.
“To know [Netanyahu] is going to be sharing air with us in our own city… it’s like a slap in the face,” she said.
Another organizer from Michigan, who did not give their name, said “more people are willing to get arrested this time” compared to previous protests.
More than 300 pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested for wrongfully gathering inside and outside the US Capitol complex in October.
An estimated 400,000 gathered in Washington to protest the war in January.