Dave Matthews was one in every of 1000’s of protesters who gathered in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday (July 24) to sentence the U.S. Congress’ reception of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a second in historical past the musician referred to as “shameful” in an on-site interview.
Chatting with Al Jazeera close to the Capitol, Matthews stated, “I simply suppose it’s horrible when the vast majority of the world is taking a look at this man and what he’s doing in Gaza, after which additionally what he’s overseeing within the West Financial institution and East Jerusalem, that we’re welcoming into the so-called sacred halls of our authorities.”
“This has been an ongoing battle for those who simply need to have dignity and be capable to reside unbiased lives and dream of a greater future,” he continued in assist of Palestinians through the on-camera interview, which confirmed different protesters milling behind him. “This man is the head of the impediment towards that freedom and that we have now him visiting the nation is obscene. It’s a disgusting present of assist for somebody that doesn’t deserve our assist.
“I’m ashamed that my tax {dollars} are going to the brutalizing of a complete folks,” Matthews added. “It’s shameful. And I’m ashamed that our authorities is welcoming him right here.”
In line with The Related Press, 1000’s have been current Wednesday to protest Netanyahu’s go to and name for an finish to U.S. help to Israel amid the nation’s ongoing conflict in opposition to Hamas, which has claimed greater than 39,000 Palestinian lives. The battle started after the Palestinian terrorist group killed 1,200 folks and took about 250 hostages in its Oct. 7 assaults on Israel.
Police deployed pepper spray into the gang on Wednesday after some protesters turned “violent” and “did not obey” orders to maneuver again, in accordance with authorities. 9 folks have been arrested in D.C., together with 4 who have been charged with assaulting an officer outdoors Union Station.
At one level, some demonstrators tried to dam Netanyahu’s path to the Capitol however have been faraway from the road by police. As soon as inside, the prime minister referred to as the protesters “idiots” and stated that Israel intends to “combat till we obtain victory,” per CNN.
The next day, Netanyahu met individually with President Joe Biden and Vice President/presumptive 2024 Democratic nominee Kamala Harris on the White Home, the place the leaders reportedly negotiated a ceasefire deal. On Friday, Netanyahu plans to satisfy with former president Donald Trump in Florida.
See Matthews’ feedback on Netanyahu’s go to to Congress under.