Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters rallied outside US President Joe Biden’s residence in Delaware on Saturday, denouncing Washington's support for Israel’s military operation, ostensibly against Hamas militants in Gaza, which has claimed thousands of civilian lives.
Palestinian flags were seen flying as the crowd chanted “ceasefire now” and “President Biden, you can’t hide! We charge you with genocide!”
The protest occurred as Biden was delivering a speech at Arlington National Ceremony to mark Veterans Day. “War and conflict, death and loss, are not relics of our American history – they’re part of our American story,” he said in his address.
The Biden administration has faced increasing criticism over its stance on the Israel-Hamas war. Several pro-Palestinian demonstrations have taken place close to the White House in recent weeks, with one entrance near the West Wing recently covered with blood-red handprints and graffiti that read ‘Genocide Joe’.
Despite reports that the White House is helping to negotiate brief daily pauses in the fighting in Gaza to allow civilians to evacuate, Biden has repeatedly expressed full support for Israel’s right to defend itself. On Thursday, he once again said that there is “no possibility” of a full-scale ceasefire until Israel destroys Hamas.
Israel launched an unprecedented military bombardment of the densely-populated Gaza enclave in retaliation for Hamas’ assault on its territory last month. Israeli officials said on Friday that around 1,200 of its citizens – mostly civilians – died in the attack, revising down prior estimates.
Over 11,000 people have died in more than four weeks of artillery and airstrikes in Gaza, Palestinian health officials have said, adding that around 40% of them are children. Aid organizations have warned of an impending humanitarian catastrophe, as supplies dwindle and streams of wounded people seek treatment in a healthcare system that is already stretched beyond its capacity.