Join WhatsApp Channel
Join Telegram ChannelAnti-Israel protesters took to the streets in Washington on Wednesday ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to Congress.
One protester, whose face was covered, was spotted by Fox News carrying what appeared to be the flag of the terrorist group Hamas.
Fox News estimates that a few hundred protesters have gathered at Pennsylvania Avenue and 3rd Street, in front of the Gallery of Art. They have set up a stage in front of the Capitol and are currently chanting slogans.
The organizers of the protest were Answer Coalition and Code Pink. Many speakers from various organizations, including one from the Party for Socialism and Liberation, spoke.
HARRIS BOYCOTTS NETANYAHU, IGNORES ISRAELI LEADER'S WARTIME SPEECH TO GIVE SPEECH TO SORORITY
Fox News crews saw numerous signs with Netanyahu's face on them, calling him a “wanted war criminal.”
An anti-Israel protester in Washington, DC, was seen carrying a Hamas flag on Wednesday. (Fox News/Griff Jenkins)
Other slogans on the placards include “Stop the genocide,” “Stop arming Israel” and “Stop all American aid.”
The crowd chanted “Free Palestine” and “From the river to the sea…”, an anti-Semitic phrase that calls for the elimination of the State of Israel.
Anti-Israel protesters gathered in Washington, DC, ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to Congress. (Fox News)
The speakers then concluded their speeches and the crowd of attendees began marching down Pennsylvania Avenue.
Police formed a blockade at the corner of Constitution and Louisiana avenues, and protesters released red and green powder into the air.
Washington DC Metropolitan Police deter protesters from blocking traffic, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Washington, ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to the U.S. Capitol. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Some protesters shouted at police, “You're bastards.” Fox News witnessed pepper spray being used at one point.
Protesters block traffic on Independence Avenue near the National Mall ahead of a planned visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the U.S. Capitol, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Earlier, officers from the Washington DC Metropolitan Police Department were seen clearing anti-Israel protesters who were blocking traffic in the country's capital on Wednesday.
Police took people into custody near the U.S. Capitol, the Associated Press reported.
DC police begin clearing protesters blocking traffic on Independence Ave. near the National Mall, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
A handful of people were taken away by police, while others chanted slogans demanding their release.
More than 1,000 people gathered Wednesday morning on Pennsylvania Avenue near the Capitol, the AP reported.
A large group of protesters marched toward the Capitol after blocking a nearby intersection and calling for a “student intifada.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“Shut up!” they chanted repeatedly.
“Bibi, Bibi, we are not finished! The intifada has only just begun!” the protesters shouted, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname.
Fox News' Meghan Tome and The Associated Press contributed to this report.