NEW DELHI: Public discord surrounding the Israel- Hamas issue manifested in a loud protest outside the Washington motel having the monthly media dinner attended by American President Joe Biden, journalists, celebrities, and politicians.
In accordance with the customs of his predecessors, Biden poked fun at his rival, Donald Trump, before offering warnings about the potential consequences if Trump were to win the presidency once more at the glamorous White House Correspondents ‘ Association banquet.
Eight years ago, we could have dismissed it as” Trump talk,” but not after January 6, according to Biden, referring to the Trump supporters who stormed the Capitol after Biden defeated him in the 2020 election.
The conflict cast a shadow over this year’s meeting with plenty of activists rallying against the Gaza battle outside the event and worries about the humanitarian crisis in the conflict and the challenges facing journalists covering it.
However, speakers at the event just quickly mentioned the conflict as some visitors had to navigate through the protesters ‘ barriers.
During Biden’s roughly 10- second speech, he made no mention of the continuous Gaza battle.
Protesters yelled” Shame on you” while wearing the customary Arab keffiyeh costume! as they rushed inside for the dinner as they pursued customers wearing proper attire. Channels claimed that US editors had covered up the conflict and distorted its truth.
Ralliers cried” Free, completely Palestine”. A Israeli flag was projected from a hotel glass, which the crowd cheered.
The protest’s organizers wanted to draw attention to the large number of Arab and other Muslim journalists who have been killed by Israel’s defense since the conflict started in October. The White House Correspondents ‘ Association was criticized by one organizer for its alleged silence on the killings of Palestinian journalists.
Roughly 100 journalists were killed while covering the Gaza battle, according to a preliminary investigation by the Committee to Protect Journalists, which was released on Friday. Israel has defended its steps, stating that it has targeted insurgents.
Criticism of the Biden administration’s aid for Israel’s military offensive in Gaza has even sparked protests in British university campuses, with individuals advocating for withdrawal from Israel.
Protests that started at Columbia University in New York have spread all over the country, with demands for colleges to cut economic relations with Israel and divest from businesses that are reportedly assisting Israel’s alleged involvement in the Gaza war, which has left many people dead. Numerous arrests and lackluster leadership from law enforcement have resulted in faculty members at various universities expressing doubt in their leadership.
