Jewish Voice for Peace protests war on Gaza outside Capitol Building

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
19 Oct 2023 01:03
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Over a thousand people take to the US Capitol to protest against the Israeli aggression on Gaza, with a significant participation of US Jews.

Demonstrators protest inside the Cannon House Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023 (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Hundreds of individuals convened in a peaceful demonstration outside the Capitol Building on Wednesday to protest the war on Gaza, Sputnik reports.

The rally was organized by multiple Jewish anti-occupation organizations, namely Jewish Voice for Peace and IfNotNow.

"I can guarantee that this crowd is 100% peaceful. We are here because we abhor violence. We don't want people killed anywhere, and we are desperate now to stop the killing in Gaza," Medea Benjamin, one of the organizers, told Sputnik. "There will be no violence from anyone in this crowd."

BREAKING: Jews and allies from @jvplive and IfNotNow are in Congress to demand: ceasefire now.

Join us across the country: https://t.co/XOBzCwXVzS https://t.co/5nWGMCYJ0U
— IfNotNow🔥 (@IfNotNowOrg) October 18, 2023

More than 1,000 Jewish participants, among others, are urging US lawmakers to adopt a resolution supporting a ceasefire in the war on Gaza.

As hundreds of Jews and allies for ceasefire are being arrested in the Capital Building, thousands more are rallying outside.

Our movement for ending apartheid and fighting for safety, freedom, and equality for all is growing stronger each and every day. @jvplive pic.twitter.com/Fevw1lC9LZ
— IfNotNow🔥 (@IfNotNowOrg) October 18, 2023

Earlier on Wednesday, Republican Senator Marjorie Taylor Greene disclosed that Capitol Police had cautioned members of Congress to remain indoors and use underground tunnels for movement on Capitol Hill. This advisory was given to preempt what they deemed potential targeted demonstrations.

The peaceful demonstration occurred shortly after the commencement of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee's hearing on Wednesday, during which the nomination of Jack Lew as the ambassador to "Israel" was momentarily disrupted on multiple occasions by protestors advocating for the Palestinian cause.

US President Joe Biden's visit to the occupied territories on Wednesday aimed to demonstrate strong support from the United States for the occupation's aggression on Hamas.

Massacre

On Tuesday, the Israeli occupation carried out a massacre before the entire world as it bombed a hospital housing over a thousand civilians, killing hundreds in the process.

Palestinian media reported that Al-Maamadani Hospital was housing over a thousand people, including Palestinian refugees, patients, and media personnel.

Preliminary reports suggest that no less than 800 people were martyred in the Israeli aggression.

The Israeli occupation forces bombed the Palestinian Hospital as Gaza continues reporting that its health sector is suffering in light of the crisis, with medicine and medical supplies being at risk of running out.

US vetoes draft UNSC resolution on rescinding Gaza evacuation

Earlier today, the United States exercised its veto power to block a UN Security Council resolution, drafted by Brazil, that urged "Israel" to revoke its evacuation order for Gazans. Both Russia and the UK abstained from voting.

The Brazilian presidency of the UN Security Council has requested a 24-hour extension to modify a draft resolution in a way that would satisfy all Security Council members.

However, the proposed resolution faced criticism for being politically unbalanced due to its exclusive condemnation of Hamas's actions without addressing Israeli airstrikes in Gaza and the absence of an immediate ceasefire call.

Russia attempted to modify the draft resolution by adding wording that condemns the "indiscriminate attacks" on civilians in Gaza, specifically mentioning the severe strike on Al-Ahli hospital, and including a demand for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. However, the UN Security Council rejected both proposed amendments.

This comes after the UN Security Council declined a resolution proposed by Russia on Monday, which aimed to establish a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.