Thousands of Palestinian Supporters Protest in Washington; Criticism of White House Policies Regarding Israeli Military Operations

As the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza enters its eighth month, thousands of Palestinian supporters gathered in front of the White House on Saturday to protest President Joe Biden's response to Israel's military attacks on Gaza. Protesters chanted slogans condemning the U.S. President's response, including: "Biden, Biden, you are a traitor. Pack your things and go." The Guardian reported that images shared on social media showed police using pepper spray against protesters and arresting several of them. Reports also indicated that protesters would besiege the White House all day. These protests followed criticisms of the President regarding his management of Israel's ongoing attacks on Gaza in response to Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023. Selin Qasini from the Palestinian Youth Movement stated at the demonstration: "How many more houses must be destroyed, how many more children must be killed, before this government (the U.S.) takes decisive action to stop Israel's war crimes?" On Saturday morning, Israel launched a heavy operation to rescue hostages in the al-Nuseirat refugee camp, resulting in hundreds of casualties. While Hamas claimed that over 200 people were killed during the Israeli hostage rescue operation, an Israeli army spokesperson stated that Palestinian casualties were less than 100, and it was unclear how many of these were terrorists. A police statement indicated that an Israeli special forces commander was also killed during this operation. During the terrorist attack on October 7, Palestinian militants killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, including women, children, and the elderly, and took 253 others hostage to the Gaza Strip. Currently, about 120 hostages remain in the hands of Palestinian militants. The Israeli army is also attacking "terrorist targets" in Lebanon; Hezbollah claimed for the first time to have fired the "Falak-2" missile at Israel. Mahmoud Abbas stated that a Security Council meeting should be held regarding the "bloody massacre" in Nuseirat. Joe Biden stated that he would not rest until all hostages are returned and a ceasefire is established in Gaza. Netanyahu, after the rescue of four Israeli hostages in Gaza, declared that they would not surrender to terrorism. The Israeli army successfully rescued four hostages alive from Hamas captivity and is reinforcing its forces to secure the aid dock for Gaza, with a temporary dock being re-established on the Gaza coast in cooperation with American and Israeli forces.