Harris Condemns Flag Burning Amid Protests During Netanyahu's Visit

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris condemned the burning of American flags by protesters during Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's address in Congress. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators distanced themselves from the act, focusing on the crisis in Gaza. Protests continued outside the White House as calls for a ceasefire and hostage release grew.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday condemned the burning of American flags by protesters after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Congress. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators distanced themselves from the act, calling it a distraction from the Gaza crisis.

Thousands demonstrated outside the Capitol on Wednesday, where police used pepper spray on marching protesters as they reached a police blockade. Some demonstrators later hoisted Palestinian flags and burned American ones, an act condemned by top U.S. leaders, including Harris.

"I condemn the burning of the American flag," Harris stated. "It should never be desecrated in that way." She also condemned pro-Hamas graffiti but did not mention police using pepper spray on protesters.

On Thursday, dozens of pro-Palestinian and a smaller number of pro-Israel demonstrators gathered outside the White House as President Joe Biden and Harris met with Netanyahu. Pro-Palestinian protesters held banners against U.S. tax dollars funding Israeli actions, while pro-Israeli demonstrators demanded the release of hostages held in Gaza.

The ANSWER group and CodePink criticized the focus on flag burning as a distraction from the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where nearly 40,000 Palestinians have died, according to Gaza's health ministry.

Family members of hostages met with U.S. and Israeli officials, calling for a ceasefire to secure hostages' release and end the violence in Gaza. "We came today with a sense of urgency," said Jonathan Dekel-Chen, father of one of the hostages.

(With inputs from agencies.)