Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters will descend on Washington for a “day of rage” over the war in Gaza when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses Congress on Wednesday, organisers have warned.
The message came after Mr Netanyahu said he would “present the truth about our just war” on his first trip abroad since the Israel-Hamas conflict began.
Ahmad Abuznaid, executive director of the Palestinian Rights Campaign in the United States and a key organizer, said protesters would “declare that war criminals like Netanyahu are not welcome” in the United States.
Mr Netanyahu was invited by Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson to deliver his first speech to Congress in nine years. Mr Johnson warned of protests inside the House chamber, saying there would be arrests “if we have to”.
But organizers say the streets will be filled with violent protests.
Reem Assil, a member of the Arab Resource and Organizing Center, said she was traveling from California to protest the deaths of family members and other civilians in the “mass massacre” in Gaza.
“The idea that the person responsible for these atrocities is allowed to come here makes me extremely angry,” she said.
“I have lost more than 40 family members and have to overcome the pain every day to continue to serve my people. This is a huge moment.”
The war in Gaza broke out when Hamas invaded Israel on October 7 last year, killing some 1,200 people. and kidnapped 251 Israelis and foreigners.
The Hamas-run Health Ministry says more than 39,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s response. Israel denies allegations of war crimes.
Netanyahu is also scheduled to meet with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House, and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.
Jinan Deena, a Palestinian-American from the Washington area, said she and others were “preparing for a day of anger” protesting Netanyahu’s visit.
“To know [Mr Netanyahu] will share the air with us right in our own city… it’s like a slap in the face,” she said.
Another organizer from Michigan, who did not give his name, said “there were more people willing to be arrested this time” than before. previous protests.
More than 300 pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested for illegally gathering inside and outside the US Capitol complex in October.
An estimated 400,000 people gathered in Washington to protest the war in January.
“All protests have an angry tone, but this one is definitely different,” Ayah, an organiser with the Palestinian Youth Movement, told the BBC. “It’s our enemy, our main enemy, they’re inviting into the White House.”
Mr Netanyahu faces pressure both at home and abroad over his handling of the war.
His trip to the United States also comes after the International Court of Justice ruled that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories was “illegal”. Israel rejected the ruling.
In May, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court applied for arrest warrants for Netanyahu, as well as senior Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed al-Deif and Ismail Haniyeh, accusing both sides of war crimes.
Mr Netanyahu condemned the application as “a complete distortion of reality” that equated Israel with “Hamas mass murderers”. Hamas, meanwhile, accused the prosecutor of trying to “compare the victim to the executioner”.
Vote Israel’s Channel 12 said 72% of Israelis think Netanyahu should resign over security failures on October 7 and the failure to rescue hostages still in Hamas hands.
Mr Netanyahu will also face protests from Israelis in the United States.
Maya Roman, whose cousin was held captive for 54 days after being kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, was among those who left Israel.
She told the BBC that Mr Netanyahu had “abandoned” the hostages still being held, ignoring the more pressing issue of a ceasefire that would free them.
“By leaving without signing an agreement, he left the hostages and their families feeling abandoned,” she said.
Pro-Israel protesters will also be in Washington. Ira Stoll, a Jewish American with family in Israel, said he was happy for Netanyahu to come.
“America needs to show support for its friends, and Netanyahu is the elected leader of one of our friends,” said Mr. Stoll, who did not attend.
