President Biden’s motorcade was met with anti-Israel protesters on Pennsylvania Avenue, an hour before he was scheduled to deliver his State of the Union address to Congress on Thursday night. The protesters, wearing black shirts that read “Biden’s legacy is genocide”, sat on the road and blocked the traffic, calling for an end to the US support for Israel and a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
The protesters, who were organized by the Palestinian Youth Movement and other groups, said that they wanted to send a message to Biden and the American public, that they do not accept the US complicity in the Israeli aggression and oppression of the Palestinian people. They said that they hold Biden responsible for the deaths and injuries of thousands of Palestinians, who have been under attack by the Israeli military since Oct. 7.
The protesters also chanted slogans such as “Free Palestine”, “End the blockade on Gaza”, and “Biden, you are a war criminal”. They held signs and banners that showed images of the victims and the destruction caused by the Israeli airstrikes and shelling. Some of the protesters also burned Israeli flags and effigies of Biden.
Biden’s speech delayed, but not disrupted by the protest
The protest caused a delay in Biden’s departure from the White House, but did not disrupt his speech, which began at 9:15 p.m. ET. The police and the Secret Service cleared the road and dispersed the protesters, who were mostly peaceful, but some of them resisted and clashed with the officers. Several protesters were arrested and taken away in police vans.
Biden’s motorcade managed to reach the Capitol, where he was greeted by the members of Congress and the Supreme Court justices. Biden delivered his speech, which lasted for about an hour and a half, and covered various topics, such as the economy, the pandemic, the climate change, the infrastructure, and the foreign policy.
Biden also addressed the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has claimed the lives of more than 200 Palestinians and 12 Israelis, and injured thousands more. Biden reiterated his support for Israel’s right to defend itself, but also expressed his concern for the civilian casualties and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He said that he was working with the international partners to achieve a lasting and peaceful solution to the conflict, and that he was committed to a two-state solution that would ensure the security and dignity of both Israelis and Palestinians.
The protest reflects the growing criticism and pressure on Biden over his stance on Israel
The protest on Thursday night was one of the many demonstrations that have taken place across the US and the world, in solidarity with the Palestinian cause and in opposition to the Israeli aggression. The protesters have criticized and pressured Biden and his administration, for their perceived lack of action and influence on the situation, and for their continued military and diplomatic support for Israel.
Biden has faced criticism and pressure not only from the protesters, but also from some members of his own party, especially the progressive wing, who have called for a more balanced and human rights-based approach to the conflict. Some Democratic lawmakers, such as Rep. Ilhan Omar, Rep. Rashida Tlaib, and Sen. Bernie Sanders, have introduced resolutions and bills, that would limit or condition the US aid and arms sales to Israel, and that would support the Palestinian rights and aspirations.
Biden has also faced criticism and pressure from the international community, especially from the European and Arab allies, who have urged him to play a more active and constructive role in ending the violence and restoring the peace talks. Biden has also faced criticism and pressure from the United Nations, the International Criminal Court, and the human rights organizations, who have accused Israel of violating the international law and the human rights of the Palestinians, and who have called for an independent and impartial investigation into the alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by both sides.
