Thousands of protesters descended on Washington D.C. on Saturday, converging outside the White House and demanding a ceasefire in the Israel–Hamas war.
Protesters, which were estimated to be over 10,000, carried Palestinian flags and signs demanding a free Palestine. After the scheduled march reached the White House, protesters sprayed red paint on the northwestern gate of the residence, even prying it open at one point.
Secret Service reported that it was able to stop any trespass beyond the gate “without incident.” There were still protesters on the premises at the time of its report.
The protest was partially sponsored by by far-left advocacy group Code Pink, which recently organized a sit-in at the offices of numerous Democrats to demand Congress attempt to enforce a ceasefire. It ultimately led to the arrest of 52 demonstrators.
A vigil is also expected to place across the street from the presidential residence, in honor of those who have died. More than 9,400 Palestinians have died since Oct. 7, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza which is run by Hamas, while more than 1,400 Israelis have died. Among the signs was a banner several feet long that listed the names of Palestinian victims.
President Joe Biden has thus far rebuffed calls for a ceasefire, including from members of his own party. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) has been particularly vocal in his criticism of Israel, as well as the Biden administration, accusing the president of backing “ethnic cleansing.”
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Instead, Biden has called for a “humanitarian pause” that would allow civilians to receive aid and give foreign nationals a chance to leave the area amid pressure from his party to call for a ceasefire and from Republicans to aid Israel in its fight. Meanwhille Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly dismissed calls for a ceasefire.
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This protest comes two days after the House approved sending $14.5 billion in military aid to Israel. Biden subsequently said he would veto the bill and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has also predicted it will not pass the upper chamber, where the Democrats have the majority. The package was largely approved along party lines.
Biden has his own supplemental funding proposal which he sent to Congress two weeks ago. Some $60 billion is proposed to go to Ukraine, while $14 billion would go to Israel.
