Numerous demonstrators were arrested Tuesday afternoon on Capitol Hill while protesting U.S. support for Israel in its ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza.
Authorities said the group of protesters were "illegally demonstrating inside the Cannon Rotunda."
"Demonstrations are not allowed inside the Congressional Buildings. We told the people, who legally entered, to stop or they would be arrested," the U.S. Capitol Police said in a statement. "They did not stop, so we are arresting them."
A group called Jewish Voice for Peace shared video of the demonstration on social media, saying "Over 400 American Jews and their allies are in DC calling the U.S. government to STOP ARMING ISRAEL!"
Footage from the scene showed officers removing several people from the group and placing them in zip-tie hand restraints. Moments later, Capitol police said the "Cannon Rotunda is now clear of demonstrators."
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The protest comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in the nation's capital for the first time in four years, where he is scheduled to address a joint session of Congress on Wednesday regarding his country's ongoing war against Hamas in Gaza. However, the visit comes amid an often tense allyship between the U.S. and Israel, as the Biden administration has expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
President Biden has drawn criticism from both sides of the political aisle over U.S. arms shipments to Israel. Some progressives have objected to the Biden administration's continued support of Israel in light of humanitarian conditions in Gaza. Meanwhile, some conservatives have accused the Biden administration of not providing enough support for Israel.
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The U.S. has been urging Israel to ease its offensive on Gaza, which has been ongoing since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Earlier this month, State Department spokesperson Matt Miller said there remain "some major differences" between Israel and Hamas in coming up with a cease-fire agreement.
"Obviously, they [Israel] want to protect their interests; we understand that as part of the negotiating process," Miller said. "But they do want to reach a cease-fire and are committed to these negotiations. As I said, there are a few remaining sticking points, and we’re working to try and resolve those, and we’re committed to trying to do that."
