Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrated in downtown Washington, D.C., on Saturday to call for a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas.
Protesters gathered near the White House in the afternoon, many carrying Palestinian flags and wearing traditional black and white Palestinian scarves known as keffiyeh.
The protests are in response to Israel’s ongoing military operation in Gaza following Hamas’ surprise attack on the state on October 7, 2023.
The March on Washington for Gaza was billed as the largest pro-Palestinian demonstration since the war began.
The event was organized by the American Muslim Task Force for Palestine and other groups, who claim that Israel commits “crimes against humanity” and that a fully recognized Palestinian state should be established.
The protest included a number of chants, including “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” according to USA Today. Many people believe that this slogan calls for the abolition of the Jewish state of Israel while also encouraging genocide.
According to Fox News, a group of protesters moved to the fences in front of the White House in the evening after the main rally and were seen banging on the barrier and chanting.
According to the Secret Service, some fences outside the White House were damaged, and staff and journalists were “relocated” as a result. The White House also confirmed on Saturday that President Biden is currently at Camp David.
“During the demonstration near the White House complex Jan. 13, a portion of the anti-scale fencing that was erected for the event sustained temporary damage,” the statement read. “The issues were promptly repaired on site by U.S. Secret Service support teams.”
“As a precaution, some members of the media and staff in proximity to Pennsylvania Avenue were temporarily relocated while the issue was being addressed,” the statement continued. “The Secret Service made no arrests associated with the march and there was no property damage to the White House or adjacent buildings.”
A video posted on X shows protesters increasingly pushing against the fence, prompting Secret Service personnel to man the area to prevent a breach, with attendees saying, “F**k Joe Biden.”
In November, pro-Palestinian protesters held a similar event in downtown D.C., which ended with a large crowd swarming the perimeter of the White House fence. Protesters chanted “Allahu Akbar” and “Raise your hand, make a fist, Palestine will resist.”
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