Netanyahu’s Congress Speech Amid Ongoing Gaza Conflict and Protests

Netanyahu’s Upcoming Speech to Congress

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to deliver a significant address to the United States Congress during his upcoming visit to Washington, D.C. This trip is pivotal for Netanyahu as he aims to strengthen American support for Israel’s ongoing military operations against Hamas. However, the Biden administration is urging him to prioritize negotiations for a ceasefire agreement with the militant group.

In light of recent developments, U.S. officials have indicated that a phased ceasefire agreement, which would involve halting the fighting and the release of Israeli hostages being held in Gaza, is nearing fruition. Both Israel and Hamas have reportedly shown agreement on the framework of this deal, although the specific details are still under discussion.

In a related note, an Israeli delegation has departed for Cairo to engage in further negotiations with Egyptian officials, focusing on critical issues such as the Rafah border crossing and the Philadelphi corridor, according to reports from Lebanon’s daily Al-Akhbar. Additionally, officials from Egypt, Israel, the U.S., and Qatar are scheduled to convene in Doha on Thursday to review the specifics of the proposed three-phase ceasefire.

According to Al-Akhbar, both Egyptian and Qatari mediators believe that the initial phase of the agreement is close but express concerns that Prime Minister Netanyahu may jeopardize the potential deal in the critical final moments of negotiation.

Protests Erupt During Netanyahu’s Visit

The arrival of Prime Minister Netanyahu has sparked a wave of protests across the nation’s capital. Demonstrations include a sit-in at a congressional office building, which resulted in multiple arrests. The protests are diverse; while some condemn Israel, others express support yet call on Netanyahu to negotiate a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.

On Monday evening, dozens of protesters gathered outside Netanyahu’s hotel, and on Tuesday afternoon, hundreds staged a flash mob-style protest in the Cannon Building, which houses offices for members of the House of Representatives. The protest was organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, with participants wearing red T-shirts emblazoned with the phrase “Not In Our Name.” They occupied the building’s rotunda, sitting on the floor, unfurling banners, and chanting “Let Gaza Live!”

After approximately thirty minutes of clapping and chanting, U.S. Capitol Police issued multiple warnings before proceeding to arrest several protesters.

Ongoing Conflict in Gaza

As the situation unfolds, Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that the bodies of 55 individuals killed by Israeli airstrikes have been brought to local hospitals within the past 24 hours. This grim statistic raises the overall Palestinian death toll from the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict to at least 39,145, with an additional 90,257 individuals reported as wounded.

Amid the chaos, many Palestinians displaced by the Israeli air and ground offensives in the Gaza Strip are fleeing from parts of Khan Younis following a new evacuation order. Disturbingly, thousands of these individuals are now sleeping on the streets, facing dire conditions. The recent evacuation order has reduced the designated “humanitarian zone” by approximately ten square kilometers, constricting the area available for Palestinian refuge as Israel prepares for an operation against Hamas militants in the region.