Washington DC, United States

Thousands of anti-Israel protesters released maggots and other insects in the well-known D.C. hotel where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly staying ahead of his address to Congress on Wednesday (Jul 24). 

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A video posted on social media by the Palestinian Youth Movement shows maggots and crickets spread across the common areas of the Watergate Hotel, including visuals of living insects scattered across a table, with American and Israeli flags in the background.

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"Palestine protesteors 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," said the X post by the group. "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."

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The Watergate Hotel has made a statement to The Washington Post, confirming the incident. They have stated that they are making sure that the safety of their guests is maintained and are cooperating with the authorities.

Also Read | Netanyahu tells joint session of US Congress Israel 'will win' Gaza war

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“Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our guests and staff. We took the necessary steps to ensure the property has been sanitized and is now operating as normal,” a hotel spokesperson told The Washington Post. “We are cooperating fully with authorities, who are handling the situation. As this is an open case, we are unable to provide any further details at this time.”

According to a Fox News report, protesters gathered at Capitol Hill ahead of Netanyahu's speech in the joint session. The authorities have so far made about 200 arrests.

Anti-Israeli agitators gathered outside the Watergate Hotel before Netanyahu's visit. According to the Associated Press, over 1,000 protesters gathered near the Capitol on Pennsylvania Avenue on Wednesday morning.

(With inputs from agencies)