60 anti-Israel protesters arrested inside the Capitol Rotunda

Capitol Police arrested more than 60 anti-Israel protesters on Wednesday for invading the historic Rotunda and demanding a ceasefire in Gaza. Protesters scattered children's shoes across the floor to symbolize Palestinians killed in the war with Israel after entering the Capitol complex under the guise of ordinary tourists.

They sang and were placed in handcuffs on the ground in front of statues of iconic American figures, including George Washington, Dwight Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan and Harry Truman. The group also demanded that Congress drop Biden's $110 billion “deadly deal” in the Senate — the massive relief package in the works in the House, and called for an immediate cease-fire fire in battle.

Dozens of activists demanding an end to violence in Gaza have clashed regularly with police on Capitol Hill since the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, even chaining themselves to the White House fence.

“Stop funding violence against our communities,” read a large sign that protesters held aloft in the Capitol Rotunda. “Divesting militarism – investing in life,” read other signs that protesters waved above their heads. 'Protect immigrants and asylum seekers' and 'ceasefire' read others.

The demonstration came as the House of Representatives went home for the holidays and the Senate remained in session — with low turnout rates — as leaders from both sides tried to reach an agreement on a package that includes funding for Ukraine and Israel in exchange for new border security. provisions.

Biden is facing renewed pressure from the progressive left to call for a ceasefire as Palestinian casualties mount in the Gaza war. After weeks of staunch support for the Israeli offensive, the White House has only recently begun to expose itself and the military campaign.

The White House said Monday it had spoken to the Israeli government about the killing of two women sheltering in a Catholic church in the Gaza Strip, saying better deconfliction is needed to protect civilians and humanitarian workers. One idea being considered is to allow Homeland Security officials to stop migrants from seeking asylum at the southern border if the total number of crossings in a day exceeds 5,000. Border agents are overwhelmed after the total number reportedly exceeded 10,000 illegal aliens entering the U.S. through the southern border in one day last week.

Biden's additional request included $61 billion for Ukraine, $14 billion for Israel, $9 billion for humanitarian assistance, $11 billion for border and migrant-related matters, and $2 billion for the Indo-Pacific region. Only nine Republicans need to vote for the package to pass the Senate if all Democrats vote for it, although Democratic opponents are expected. The House is a different story. Hardliners on both sides of the aisle in the House of Representatives are expected to oppose the deal: Conservative Republicans will say it falls short of H.R. 2, their party-line immigration bill, and that it opposes aid to Ukraine be general.

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