Locals join protests against Gaza war as Netanyahu addresses Congress

Watch the address in the player above.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Mid-Missourians opposed to Israel's war in Gaza took to the streets in Columbia on Wednesday -- the same day Israel's top politician is set to address Congress.

On Wednesday afternoon, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will address a joint session of Congress for the first time since a Hamas terrorist attack on Israel killed 1,200 people and resulted in numerous hostages being taken to Gaza, where approximately 100 are still believed to be held captive, on Oct. 7.

The local demonstrations are part of nationwide protests against Netanyahu's address to Congress.

Protests began at 8 a.m. at Providence and Broadway. A group also gathered to hear from faith leaders at noon at the keyhole sculpture outside Columbia City Hall.

Protesters planned to hold signs at the Keyhole from 1 to 4 p.m., then march back to Providence and Broadway for a rush hour rally with signs.

Rasha Abousalem, a member of Missourian Justice for Palestine, expressed her frustration with the United States' financial support for Israel. "We claim to be a beacon of hope and justice, an example to the rest of the world of what freedom and justice are," Abousalem said. "Yet we give billions of U.S. taxpayer dollars that could be used right here at home."

Meanwhile, Harry Kobitz, a student at Mizzou, shared his sorrow over the loss of lives reported in the news. However, he remains cautiously optimistic about Vice President Kamala Harris's upcoming meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "Previous stances from her haven't been ideal, but this is a prime opportunity for her to start shifting policies and changing her stance," Kobitz said. "So, I am cautiously optimistic."

Kobitz also expressed excitement about Harris attending a sorority function instead of today's U.S. Congress meeting, suggesting it holds some significance.

The meeting between President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon.

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