Protesters storm Capitol Hill and hang banners as they call for ceasefire in Israel-Hamas war

Demonstrators are calling for a ceasefire to the war in the Middle East

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Holly Bishop

By Holly Bishop


Published: 18/10/2023

- 19:55

Updated: 18/10/2023

- 20:50

Demonstrators are wearing shirts saying: 'Not in our name … Jews say cease fire now'

Capitol Hill has been stormed by demonstrators protesting against the Israel-Hamas war.

The protesters are demanding a ceasefire to the war.


It is understood that at least one person has been arrested.

"A group of protesters are demonstrating inside the Cannon Rotunda. Demonstrations are not allowed inside Congressional Buildings," Capitol Police have said.

Protesters calling for a cease fire in Gaza and an end to the Israel-Hamas conflict look down on fellow protestors

Protesters calling for a cease fire in Gaza and an end to the Israel-Hamas conflict look down on fellow protestors

Reuters

The protestors are wielding banners, with one saying: "Jews say ceasefire now!"

Footage of the protest has circulated online, where people can also be heard chanting "ceasefire now."

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This includes two rabbis, the group claims.

Official figures have not been confirmed.

Posting on social media, the group said: "HAPPENING NOW: Hundreds of American Jews are holding a sit-in at Congress — and we won’t leave until Congress calls for a ceasefire in Gaza. As thousands of U.S. Jews protest outside, over 350 are inside, including two dozen rabbis, holding prayerful resistance.

"We’re here to say: not in our names, and never again. And we’ll continue our civil disobedience until Congress calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, or until they force us to leave."

Protesters calling for a cease fire in Gaza and an end to the Israel-Hamas conflict demonstrate atop the steps of the Cannon House office building

Protesters calling for a cease fire in Gaza and an end to the Israel-Hamas conflict demonstrate atop the steps of the Cannon House office building

Reuters

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The protest follows another bloody day in the Israel-Hamas conflict, that began on October 7.

3,000 Palestinians and 1,400 Israelis have been killed so far.

Yesterday, a strike on a hospital in Gaza has left dozens dead and hundreds more injured, the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry has said.

As many as 500 people are believed to be killed or injured as a result of the blast.

The Hamas-controlled Palestinian authorities in Gaza immediately blamed Israel, claiming it was a deliberate air strike.

Israel has denied involvement.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has said that Islamic Jihad terrorists are responsible for the attack.

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