In a demonstration held at the Hart Senate Office Building on Monday, about 50 protesters were arrested by the U.S. Capitol Police while demanding a permanent cease-fire in the Israel-Gaza war. The arrestees were accused of illegally protesting inside the building, resulting in charges under the D.C. code prohibiting crowding, obstructing, or incommoding.

According to Tim Barber, a Capitol Police spokesman, 49 individuals were arrested under this code, which is often cited in the arrest of protesters during planned acts of civil disobedience. Additionally, one man who had climbed a statue in the atrium and a woman were arrested on charges of resisting arrest. The activists displayed banners with messages such as "The People Choose Life" from Alexander Calder's "Mountains and Clouds" sculpture, and another banner equating additional aid to Israel with bombing Palestinians.

Videos from the protest showed demonstrators wearing shirts that read "Stop Weapons Now" and "Invest in Life," while chanting "Cease-fire now!" As police used zip-tie handcuffs to detain the protesters and escort them out, some participants needed to be carried out of the building.

The demonstration was organized by various groups, including US Campaign for Palestinian Rights, Jewish Voice for Peace, and About Face: Veterans Against the War. The call for a cease-fire comes amid increasing international pressure on Israel to halt its offensive in the Gaza Strip. Recent reports indicate that Israeli tanks and troops have advanced into Khan Younis, the largest city in southern Gaza.

In a separate action later on Monday, 18 Jewish elders chained themselves to the White House fence, as reported by Jewish Voice for Peace. The individuals chained to the fence received citations by the U.S. Park Police and were subsequently released at the scene.

The Israel-Gaza conflict has a long and complex history. It is crucial to understand the root causes behind the ongoing violence and examine the historical context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As tensions continue to escalate and more lives are affected, international attention on finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict grows increasingly critical.

As of now, no further information has been provided regarding the release of more than 100 hostages who had been held in the Gaza Strip by Hamas or the details of the Oct. 7 attack. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as new information becomes available.