US soldier's self-immolation protest against Gaza war at Israeli embassy in Washington
An American Air Force member immolated himself outside the Israeli embassy in Washington on Sunday afternoon, reported Reuters agency. His protest was against the war in Gaza. His flames were doused by the Secret Service officers. The serviceman was rushed to the hospital. As per local police, his state remains critical.
26 February 2024 10:17
"The New York Times" stated that the incident was broadcast live on the Twitch platform. "I refuse to partake in genocide," the serviceman pronounced in the video. "I plan to express my protest through an extreme act," he further explained. Subsequently, he doused himself with clear fluid and set himself alight while fervently shouting, "Free Palestine."
The video has been taken down
The video displayed a man attired in military uniform. He identified himself as an officer of the United States Air Force. "The New York Times" mentioned that the surname he used in the video matches a LinkedIn profile of a serviceman stationed in Texas. An Air Force spokesperson confirmed that the incident involved an active-duty airman, as reported by Reuters. The video was taken down on Sunday afternoon for breaching the Twitch service rules.
According to Tal Naim, the embassy's press spokeswoman, none of the embassy staff were harmed. The investigation into the incident is being led by local police and special services.
Source: Reuters, The New York Times
