Protesters Unfurl Massive Palestinian Flag at Hotel Hosting White House Correspondents Dinner
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Members of the Code Pink organization unveiled a large Palestinian flag from a window on the top floor of the Washington Hilton.
The demonstration outside the hotel aims to show support for the numerous Palestinian journalists who were mercilessly killed in the by the Israeli forces in the war on Gaza.
Displayed outside the venue were several press jackets stained with artificial blood, each bearing the names of slain Palestinian journalists. This makeshift memorial serves as a tribute to those who murdered in Israel’s ongoing genocidal war in Gaza.
According to the Committee to Protect Journalists based in New York, Israeli forces have been responsible for the deaths of at least 92 Palestinian journalists and media personnel. However, the Palestinian media office in Gaza reported that the toll is higher, citing 141 casualties. Additionally, three journalists from Lebanon have also been killed in the war.
Despite ongoing demonstrations outside the hotel, where the annual White House Correspondents’ dinner is taking place, the US president made no mention of the Gaza war in his address. Biden focused his speech on light-hearted jabs at his predecessor, Donald Trump, while also acknowledging the sacrifices made by journalists worldwide.
Biden's avoidance of the sizable pro-Palestine protests outside the Washington Hilton was evident as he entered through a rear entrance. However, smaller groups of demonstrators calling for a ceasefire in Gaza greeted him upon arrival. Code Pink, a grassroots movement, led a march to the venue from a nearby park, criticizing the biased media coverage favoring Israel.
Saturday's event provides Biden with an opportunity to address journalists amidst mounting criticism of his support for Israel's crimes in Gaza, which have resulted in the deaths of over 34,000 Palestinians, primarily women and children.
