Scores of demonstrators, driven by a fervent plea for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, caused a tumultuous scene as they breached the US Capitol building. Originating from the National Mall, their impassioned calls for peace reverberated through the hallowed halls, prompting swift action from Capitol police.
Amidst the ensuing chaos, the public’s access to the Capitol complex was promptly restricted, leading to a maze of directives to utilize tunnels instead of the main entrances and exits, a precautionary measure highlighted by a concerned Capitol Hill source.
“We have been advised by the police to use the tunnels and not the main entrance and exit doors,” a hill staffer shared with ANI, amidst the cacophony of chants and placards advocating for an immediate ceasefire.
The escalation of the situation resulted in the House Sergeant-at-arms issuing stringent regulations, limiting access to a solitary door while a formidable arrangement of bike-rack fencing materialized around the Capitol building, fortifying its perimeter against any potential unrest.
Simultaneously, the Capitol Police moved swiftly to close down roads encircling the Capitol, ensuring the safety and security of the demonstrators outside, while quelling any potential disruption to the public order.
“A group of protesters are demonstrating inside the Cannon Rotunda. Demonstrations are not allowed inside Congressional Buildings,” emphasized the U.S. Capitol Police, intent on upholding the sanctity of the legislative space.
“We warned the protestors to stop demonstrating, and when they did not comply, we began arresting them,” the Capitol Police stated firmly, underscoring their commitment to maintaining the integrity of the Capitol’s premises.
Meanwhile, amidst the ongoing conflict, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a press conference, condemned Hamas for what he described as an incessant perpetration of a “double war crime,” targeting innocent civilians while deliberately using them as human shields.
“We have seen the cost of this terrible double war crime against humanity that Hamas has been perpetrating in the last 11 days,” Netanyahu affirmed, emphasizing the grave repercussions of Hamas’ relentless actions.
Netanyahu further underscored the distinction between Israel’s legitimate targeting of terrorists and the regrettable harm befalling civilians. “Hamas is responsible and should be held accountable for all civilian casualties,” he urged, emphasizing the need for global recognition of Hamas’ role in the escalating violence.
Additionally, the Israeli Defense Ministry reported a staggering toll of 3,478 casualties since the commencement of Israel’s airstrikes on the Gaza Strip on October 7, following a brazen onslaught by Hamas that tragically claimed the lives of some 1,400 Israelis.
In a related development, as the conflict entered its 13th day, the Israel Air Force executed targeted attacks on Hezbollah’s military installations in the border area with Lebanon in response to incidents of cross-border violence. Among the targets was an observation post, a site from which anti-tank fire was directed at Rosh Hankara on Wednesday, as confirmed by the IDF.
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