A group of pro-Hams protesters staged a demonstration inside a U.S. Senate cafeteria on Tuesday, demanding the American government back a ceasefire in Gaza. The protestors, comprised at least in part by members of Christians for a Free Palestine, chanted: “Congress and their staff will not eat until Gaza eats.” Demonstrators also displayed banners reading “Send food, not bombs” and “Break bread, not bodies.”
More than 50 of the protestors were detained and arrested by the U.S. Capitol Police after they stormed through a Senate office building and occupied the cafeteria. The demonstration briefly caused the dining hall frequented by lawmakers and their staff – as well as guests and tourists — to be shut down.
The calls among Democrat and progressive activists for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas have hit new highs following an accidental Israeli military strike that resulted in the deaths of several humanitarian aid workers. President Joe Biden has faced internal backlash within his party over appearing overly supportive of Israel and its military operation aimed at eliminating the Hamas terrorist group following their barbaric October 7, 2023 attack on the Jewish state.
Late last year, pro-Hamas demonstrators stormed the Cannon House Office Building in a moment reminiscent of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Several protestors were arrested for assaulting officers after clashing with U.S. Capitol Police. Meanwhile, outside the Capitol building, Rep. Rashida Tlaib urged on the demonstrators while attacking President Biden’s pro-Israel stance — claiming that Arab-American and Muslim voters would not forget his betrayal.
During the 2024 Democrat presidential primary, Biden faced several significant protest votes from the Muslim community and progressive activists in states like Michigan and Washington. Additionally, Arab-American and Muslim leaders in the U.S. have balked at efforts by the President’s re-election campaign to try and mend bridges.
"Senate can't eat until Gaza eats!"
50 Anti-Israel protesters were arrested after shutting down the Senate cafeteria yesterday. pic.twitter.com/ZSVYFnYVMd
— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) April 10, 2024