A large group of protesters have swarmed the Cannon House office building Wednesday calling for an Israeli cease-fire. According to WUSA9 hundreds of people have been arrested.
“Demonstrations are not allowed inside Congressional Buildings,” the U.S. Capitol Police shared on X today. “We warned the protestors to stop demonstrating and when they did not comply we began arresting them.” In a follow up tweet U.S. Capitol police added, “arrests in Canon Rotunda and the rolling road closures are ongoing. Amongst these arrests, three people have been arrested and charged with assault on a police officer during processing.”
The protest, that was started by the Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) and IfNotNow, took place at noon in front of the Capitol. Demonstrators urged Congress take action toward a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. “The root of violence is oppression, and we’re here to say no in our names,” Jewish Voice for Peace posted on X. “We have the power to stop the ongoing atrocities against Palestinians. We refuse to standby as the Israeli government commits genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.”
It was also reported today that President Joe Biden on Wednesday to allow humanitarian aid to move from Egypt to Gaza and confirmed $100 million in U.S. funding for assistance to civilians in Gaza and the West Bank. “based on understanding that there will be inspections, and aid should go to civilians, not to Hamas,” Biden shared. “Israel agreed the humanitarian assistance can begin to move from Egypt to Gaza,” Biden added.
The White House said in a statement following Biden’s remarks that the U.S. would provide the assistance via the United Nations and international nongovernmental organizations.
“We will continue to work closely with partners in the region to stress the importance of upholding the law of war, supporting those who are trying to get to safety or provide assistance, and facilitating access to food, water, medical care, and shelter,” the statement read.