Israel-Hamas War: During a demonstration, police and protestors clash outside the Democratic Headquarters

In the most recent manifestation of the escalating tensions surrounding the deadly conflict, demonstrators and police fought outside the Democratic National Committee offices on Wednesday night during a rally calling for a cease-fire in the battle between Israel and Hamas.

The campaign event, which was being attended by a large number of Democratic lawmakers and candidates, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, was disrupted by shouting outside. In order to compel lawmakers to respond to their candlelight vigil and demands for a stop to the conflict, protesters said they intended to block doors and exits. A large number of them had “Cease Fire Now” printed on black shirts.

Still, things quickly went south. About 150 individuals were “illegally and violently protesting,” according to U.S. Capitol Police, in the Washington area of Capitol Hill. However, demonstrators said that police had rushed them without notice and were to responsible for the violence.

Dani Noble, who traveled from Philadelphia for the march, stated, “It is disheartening the manner that peaceful demonstrators and members of our community were met with violence tonight.” “It is truly abhorrent.” According to Noble, police began “pulling on folks that are disabled or have have chronic illnesses, pulling people to the ground.” Some of the officers were dressed in riot gear.

According to Rep. Brad Sherman, a Democrat from California, police stormed into the reception area of the Democratic headquarters and told legislators to go to the basement. Later, several were driven away by police in cars. According to Capitol Police, one demonstrator was detained for attacking an officer, and six officers received minor medical attention. As the cops came in, pushing and altercations were captured on social media.

According to the Metropolitan Police Department, its officers attended to the incident as well. Officials subsequently reopened the exits, but not before informing congressional personnel that no one would be allowed to enter or depart any House office buildings.

Sherman wrote on X, the platform that was once known as Twitter, accusing demonstrators of attempting to break into the Democratic offices. Protesters, however, denied that was their goal. A consortium of organizations that have led previous protests in Washington and other places, including If Not Now and Jewish Voice for Peace Action, planned the event. The latest instance of the volatile circumstances surrounding the conflict between Israel and Hamas was the fighting on Wednesday.

The sole American Palestinian representative in Congress, Rep. Rashida Tlaib, was censured last week by a majority of House Democrats as well as almost all Republicans for her criticism of the Israeli government’s treatment of Palestinians. Tlaib, who has relatives in the West Bank, faced harsh criticism for his delay in denouncing Hamas after the assault. Since then, she has demanded a cease-fire in addition to denouncing the terrorist organization.

The left wing of the Democratic Party has also been putting more and more pressure on President Joe Biden because of his support for Israel’s military action. He has rejected demands for a cease-fire, arguing that there should be breaks in the fighting to allow for the possible release of hostages and the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Rabbi Jessica Rosenberg, who cut off Joe Biden’s address at a previous fundraiser in Minneapolis, was one of the attendees on Wednesday night. “Actions like this are only going to increase,” she added, adding that Democrats are “not listening to the people who they claim to represent.” She said, “We are not slowing down.” “Ceasefire requests will continue to mount. And yesterday is when our legislators need to act.