Anti-Israel protesters gathered outside White House while Israel rescued hostages.
Thousands of anti-Israel protesters gathered outside the White House to express their outrage at Israeli actions in Gaza, even as Israeli forces successfully conducted a hostage rescue operation on Saturday. The protesters accused Israel of crossing a “red line” into “genocide” in Gaza, while Israel detailed the weeks-long planning that led to the successful rescue of four Israeli citizens captured during a Hamas attack on October 7.
Despite the rescue operation, protesters remained critical of President Biden’s policies towards Israel and its conduct in Gaza. Nas Issa, a member of the Palestinian Youth Movement, stated, “The intention is to draw a red line where Biden won’t draw one when it comes to Israel’s genocide in Gaza, and say we as the people are drawing the red line today to say enough is enough. It’s time for an arms embargo, and it’s time to end this.”
Another protester expressed regret over voting for Biden in 2020 and pledged to never do so again. The IDF confirmed that the hostages, three men, and one woman, were rescued in the largest hostage recovery operation since the conflict with Hamas began in Gaza.
The hostages, identified as Noa Argamani, Almog Meir Jan, Shlomi Ziv, and Andrey Kozlov, were rescued in two separate locations in central Gaza. Noa Argamani, in particular, gained recognition as one of the most widely known hostages due to video footage showing her abduction.
The rescue operation involved the National Police special anti-terror unit of Yamam and Shin Bet agents who simultaneously raided two Hamas buildings to extract the hostages safely. Tragically, Chief Inspector Arnon Zmora, a Yamam officer, sustained critical injuries during the operation and later succumbed to them.
Protesters outside the White House were heard chanting slogans against Zionism and calling for the eradication of Israel, with phrases like “We don’t want no two state, we’re taking back ’48” referencing the establishment of Israel in 1948 and the subsequent displacement of Palestinians.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to incite passionate responses both internationally and domestically. The events of Saturday reflect the deep-seated divisions and grievances that persist in the region, challenging world leaders and citizens to seek solutions that prioritize peace and justice for all involved.
