WASHINGTON: A large-scale pro-Palestine demonstration took place outside the fenced White House on Saturday, with participants calling for an end to the Israel-Gaza conflict and criticizing the Biden administration's support for Israel. Approximately 30,000 protesters gathered around the secured Executive Mansion starting at noon, prompting heightened security measures around the White House.

Numerous images and videos of the protest circulated on social media, showing demonstrators, many dressed in red, holding placards with messages such as "End the siege on Gaza now," "Free Palestine," and "End US Military funding to Israel."

In a symbolic gesture, some protesters stood in a line draped with a two-mile-long banner around the White House, representing the 'red line' they believe Israel crossed with its operations in Rafah, a southern Gaza city where many Palestinians have sought refuge since the conflict began.

Videos shared on social media showed some demonstrators igniting and throwing smoke flares outside the White House gates, with a few even tossing flare bombs onto the White House lawn.

The Washington DC Metropolitan Police Department and the Secret Service informed the Washington Examiner that no arrests had been made at the time. However, the protest resulted in road closures, particularly on routes leading directly to the White House.

The protest occurred while President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden were in France for a D-Day commemoration.

The US has experienced a wave of pro-Palestine protests in recent months, including university demonstrations with encampments on Ivy League campuses and mass arrests. These protests have included marches in Washington, vigils near the White House, and blockades of bridges and roads near train stations and airports in various cities.

In related developments, at least eight officials have recently resigned from the Biden administration, citing opposition to his policies regarding Israel.