The American authorities in Washington, D.C., cordoned off the complex of buildings that includes the White House in preparation for the pro-Palestinian demonstrations scheduled for Saturday.
A US Secret Service spokesman said: “In preparation for events taking place over the weekend in Washington, D.C., in which large crowds are likely to gather, additional public safety measures have been taken near the White House complex.”
US President Joe Biden and the White House stated earlier that they support peaceful protests, but not “chaos” and violence.
Thousands are expected to gather in demonstrations organized by pro-Palestinian groups outside the White House to demand a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, an immediate end to the siege on the Strip, the release of all Palestinian prisoners and an end to the occupation.
Advocacy groups and activists such as the women’s movement “Code Pink” and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) said on Friday that demonstrations were scheduled to be held on Saturday, marking the 8-month anniversary of the Israeli war in Gaza, which claimed the lives of tens of thousands and caused a humanitarian crisis with widespread hunger and destruction. .
The United States, Israel’s main ally, has witnessed months of pro-Palestinian protests, ranging from marches in Washington to vigils near the White House and camps on several universities.
At least 8 officials resigned from President Joe Biden’s administration due to their opposition to his policy, while demonstrators disrupted some Biden re-election campaign events.