It's not just outside the Capitol where demonstrations are taking place, as Biden's speech sparked pockets of protests across the United States.
Activists want the president to push for a permanent ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas and to do more to limit Israeli attacks in Gaza.
Protesters blocked traffic in Boston and Los Angeles. More than 50 people were arrested in Boston, according to an activist group and a local media report.
“We are here today because enough is enough,” said Ahmed Abu Zneid, executive director of the US Campaign for Palestinian Rights.
The advocacy group Council on American-Islamic Relations said the speech was Biden's “best and perhaps last opportunity” to announce steps to reduce the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza and restore the support of Arab Americans, Palestinians and anti-war advocates who are disillusioned with his policy.
Senior US administration officials said earlier that Biden would discuss US plans to build a port in Gaza to ship humanitarian aid.
Hours before the speech, the US Capitol building was cordoned off with a high wire fence, as is usual before the annual presidential address to both chambers of Congress.
The Palestinian flag was hung on the balcony of a congressional office, and small groups of demonstrators chanted “ceasefire now” on street corners, some wearing keffiyehs, the traditional Palestinian headscarves.
Reuters
