Over 30 Arrested Outside White House During Protests Against Israel-Hamas War by Far-Left Jewish Groups
Washington, D.C. – More than 30 people were arrested on Monday afternoon outside the White House, according to the Secret Service. The arrests came as demonstrators from far-left Jewish groups crossed barriers and blocked entrances to the complex to protest against the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
The individuals who were arrested are accused of unlawful entry or incommoding and have been transferred to the local police for processing, stated a Secret Service spokesperson. However, the agency typically does not disclose the identities of arrestees, and the names of those taken into custody on Monday remain unknown. Inquiries regarding the arrests sent to the Washington police have not yet been answered.
The intensifying Israel-Hamas conflict started when Hamas, a Palestinian political and militant group, launched a terror attack on Israel on October 7th, which included rocket launches and a ground invasion, as reported by Israeli officials. Since then, Israel has responded with a sweeping military operation, undertaking strikes on Gaza, the blockaded Palestinian territory under Hamas control.
The Israeli and Palestinian health authorities have reported more than 1,400 deaths in Israel and over 2,700 deaths in Gaza resulting from the conflict.
The protest outside the White House was organized by two groups, IfNotNow and Jewish Voice for Peace. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered, carrying signs with messages like “Jews say: Ceasefire now,” “My grief is not your weapon,” “No to war no to apartheid,” and “Stop genocide in Gaza.”
The Anti-Defamation League, an influential Jewish group battling anti-Semitism and other forms of discrimination, has labeled Jewish Voice for Peace as “radical” and “anti-Israel,” asserting that their views fall outside the “mainstream Jewish community.”
Israel has consistently maintained its right to self-defense against attacks by Hamas and other groups. They argue that they take measures to minimize civilian casualties and reject claims of legalized discrimination against Palestinians. Nevertheless, international observers have criticized Israel’s military for not allowing sufficient time for civilians to evacuate Gaza amidst the ongoing operations. The United Nations has also repeatedly appealed for aid to be permitted into the region.
During Monday’s protest, two Jewish demonstrators from New York expressed their disappointment in President Joe Biden’s handling of the crisis, calling it “shameful” and “catastrophic.” They also criticized the conservative government in Israel.
Eva Borgwardt, the political director for IfNotNow, stated that the protesters demand an “immediate ceasefire and de-escalation of the current crisis,” calling for an end to Israel’s military operations against Hamas.
Yotam Marom, a founding member of IfNotNow, clarified that the demonstrators did not intend to get arrested but aimed to prevent further actions by Israel. Biden has voiced his support for Israel following the recent attack by Hamas but cautioned against an Israeli occupation of Gaza as part of an invasion against Hamas, labeling it a “big mistake.” He has also expressed concerns regarding the “humanitarian crisis” in Gaza.
ABC News’ Ben Gittleson has contributed to this report.