Washington DC: Thousands of protesters filled the streets of Washington DC on Wednesday in response to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to the US Congress. The demonstration, which included activists, Palestine advocates, and anti-Israel groups, escalated dramatically when some participants burned an American flag a few blocks from the Capitol.

During the protest, chants of “Allahu Akbar” were heard as the flag was set alight, alongside pro-Hamas and anti-Israel slogans. The confrontation took place near Union Station, where Netanyahu was addressing a Joint Session of Congress.

The situation grew tense as pro-Palestine and anti-Israel demonstrators vandalized public property, defaced monuments, and burned more flags. Reports indicate that protestors sprayed messages such as “Free Gaza” and “Free Palestine” on city walls. Fox News reported that some participants chanted “Allahu Akbar,” prompting a response from US Capitol Police, who used pepper spray to manage the crowd.

Numerous arrests were made during the protest. Viral footage showed protestors lowering and burning a large American flag in front of Union Station, then raising a smaller Palestinian flag in its place. Additional protests occurred around the city, with reports of historic monuments being defaced and the word “Hamas” scrawled on statues and walls.

The Washington Post reported that while many demonstrators were peaceful, clashes with law enforcement led to the arrest of 23 individuals, with 15 detained by D.C. and Capitol Police, and eight by U.S. Park Police.

Netanyahu's speech, which took place before Congress, included a plea for increased US military aid to Israel and condemnation of the ongoing protests. The Israeli leader also faced opposition from several Democratic politicians, including former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who, along with others, chose to boycott the address.

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