Thousands of people are expected to gather in Washington, D.C. this week to protest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to Congress. The demonstrations will encompass various demands, including a call for a cease-fire in the ongoing war, the release of hostages taken during Hamas's attack on October 7, and an end to U.S. aid to Israel.

One of the organizers of Wednesday's protest, Brian Becker, the executive director of the ANSWER Coalition, expressed outrage that Netanyahu has been invited to speak to Congress. He demanded the Prime Minister's arrest, referring to the chief International Criminal Court prosecutor's announcement in May about seeking war crimes and crimes against humanity charges against Netanyahu and Hamas leader Yehiya Sinwar. Becker stated, "We consider it a disgrace that Benjamin Netanyahu has been invited to speak to both houses of Congress. We will be protesting in the many, many thousands to say that he should not be welcomed."

According to the permit application submitted to the National Park Service, organizers estimated that approximately 5,000 people will attend this protest, which will coincide with Netanyahu's address.

Additionally, families of the hostages, many of whom will travel from Israel, will gather on the National Mall at 6 p.m. on Tuesday to share the stories of their loved ones taken during the October 7 attack. They will express hope for their release and demand action.

At 10 a.m. on Wednesday, T'ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, a Jewish group, will organize a morning prayer in the park south of Union Station. The prayer aims to end the war and secure the release of all hostages.

Following this, at 11 a.m., thousands of protesters are expected to gather at 3rd Street NW and Pennsylvania Avenue to demand Netanyahu's arrest. They will hold a red banner representing a symbolic "red line" against the war in Gaza and loop around the perimeter of the U.S. Capitol. Protesters from various states, including Maine, Indiana, North Carolina, and Georgia, will travel by buses to join the demonstration.

Simultaneously, at noon, UnXeptable, a grassroots organization of Israeli expatriates, will hold a rally at the Upper Senate Park. The group seeks to express support for their home country while criticizing Netanyahu's actions. Offir Gutelzon, the founder of UnXeptable, stated, "Both love Israel and... believe that what Netanyahu is doing to the hostages and most of the Israelis is wrong."

Later, at 1 p.m., a "Peace & Justice Bloc" composed of Palestinians, Israelis, Jews, Arabs, and allies will gather near the U.S. Capitol to demand a cease-fire.

The U.S. Capitol Police and local law enforcement have been preparing for Netanyahu's visit and the anticipated protests. Security measures are being implemented, although specific details were not disclosed. The police agencies have been coordinating with federal, state, and local partners and monitoring the demonstrations.

Regarding street closures, as of Friday evening, the D.C. police have not announced any closures. The Capitol Police will provide information closer to Netanyahu's visit regarding road closures and public access to congressional buildings.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas stems from the cross-border attack launched by Hamas militants on October 7, which included the taking of civilian hostages at a music festival. In response, Israel declared war on Hamas and initiated a ground invasion, leading to significant displacement in the region. The Gaza Strip has suffered extensive devastation, resulting in dire humanitarian conditions.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has deep historical roots and entrenched mistrust predating Israel's establishment in 1948.