Amid ongoing anti-Israel protests ahead of Netanyahu’s address today, a pro-Palestine organization claimed to have released maggots at Washington DC’s Watergate Hotel, where some Israeli delegates were staying. A video showing maggots spread across what appeared to be a dinner table went viral, but it remains unclear whether the video was staged or if protesters actually breached the hotel’s security. Israeli and American flags were visible in the background.
“Palestine protestors manufactured chaos at the Watergate Hotel last night so that Netanyahu, Israeli Mossad agents, and the Secret Service had no peace as they continue to terrorize our people,” the Palestinian Youth Movement posted on X.
BON APPETIT!! MAGGOTS RELEASED ON THE CRIMINAL ZIONIST’S WAR TABLE!
Palestine protestors manufactured chaos at the Watergate Hotel last night so that Netanyahu, Israeli Mossad agents, and the Secret Service had no peace as they continue to terrorize our people. pic.twitter.com/hEc2HzL8Jb— Palestinian Youth Movement (@palyouthmvmt) July 24, 2024
Some community notes on X suggested that the incident was a hoax, given the tight security at the hotel and the police shutting down the surrounding streets.
“Palestine protestors manufactured chaos at the Watergate Hotel last night so that Netanyahu, Israeli Mossad agents, and the Secret Service had no peace as they continue to terrorize our people. Mealworms and maggots (not talking about Netanyahu) were left on their banquet tables, and crickets were released on multiple floors of the hotel. Fire alarms were triggered for over 30 minutes on multiple floors to ensure that there will be no rest before Netanyahu and Congress disgrace themselves in front of the world for failing to achieve any of their military and political objectives. May their dreams be haunted by the death of our people and decay of their society.” the Instagram post of the same video
Crowds carrying Palestinian flags and signs with various messages, from left-wing slogans to Bible verses, gathered outside the Capitol, calling for a ceasefire and Netanyahu’s arrest. Netanyahu seeks renewed support from Congress for Israel’s military actions in the Palestinian enclave. He is also set to meet with Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris this week, who announced her 2024 presidential run after Biden withdrew.
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump will host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday at his Palm Beach resort in Florida. “Looking forward to welcoming Bibi Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida,” the former U.S. president posted on Truth Social, using Netanyahu’s nickname. This will be their first meeting since the end of Trump’s presidency, during which they developed close ties. The meeting comes amid tensions between Netanyahu and Democratic President Joe Biden over Israel’s conflict with Hamas militants in Gaza.