Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to the US Congress on Wednesday has ignited widespread anger and protests, both in the United States and internationally. The speech, which received standing ovations from many US lawmakers, came amid heightened tensions over Israel's military operations in Gaza.Escalating Tensions and Humanitarian Crisis
Netanyahu's plea for continued support from Israel's primary military ally, the United States, occurred during a period marked by severe conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The US has increasingly criticized the high civilian death toll resulting from Israel's prolonged offensive on the narrow coastal strip, which has lasted for over nine months. In Israel, families of those taken hostage by Hamas have staged protests, adding to the domestic pressure on Netanyahu.
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Thousands of protesters marched to the US Capitol, voicing their opposition to Netanyahu's speech. Inside the House of Representatives chamber, six demonstrators were arrested before Netanyahu began his address. Outside, protesters burned effigies of Netanyahu and American flags, with crowds carrying banners calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and Netanyahu's arrest. Some banners featured Bible verses advocating for peace, while others depicted Netanyahu as a wanted criminal.

The protests were not limited to physical demonstrations. On social media, users expressed their outrage at the standing ovation Netanyahu received. Palestinian journalists, such as Hind Khoudary and Motaz Azaiza, questioned the applause, emphasizing the atrocities committed during the Gaza conflict. Others, like Bisan Owda, highlighted the incongruity of Netanyahu receiving accolades while being sought by the International Criminal Court for war crimes.Political Boycott
Many Democratic lawmakers boycotted Netanyahu's speech, citing the humanitarian crisis and civilian casualties in Gaza as their reasons. Notable absentees included Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, and Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, and Rashida Tlaib. Tlaib, who attended the session wearing a keffiyeh and holding a sign labeling Netanyahu a war criminal, called his invitation to speak "a disgrace."
On social media, Netanyahu's speech and the subsequent applause were condemned as disgraceful and morally repugnant. Journalists like Mehdi Hasan and Owen Jones criticized the US political elite for applauding a leader they accuse of committing genocide. Organizations such as Jewish Voice for Peace described Netanyahu's speech as racist and filled with anti-Palestinian and Islamophobic rhetoric.
The general sentiment among critics was that Netanyahu's speech marked one of the darkest days in modern history, with Congress being accused of enabling and legitimizing his actions. Despite the overwhelming condemnation, some found hope in the fact that the number of protesters outnumbered those who applauded Netanyahu. This ongoing resistance against normalizing violence offers a glimmer of optimism for those advocating for Palestinian rights and justice.As long as there are people standing up against the celebration of Israel's actions and resisting the normalization of this violence, there remains hope for change and justice.