U.S. Air Force member sets himself on fire in front of Israeli embassy

WASHINGTON –

An active-duty member of the U.S. Air Power was critically injured Sunday after setting himself ablaze exterior the Israeli Embassy in Washington D.C., whereas declaring that he “will not be complicit in genocide,” an individual aware of the matter advised The Related Press.

The person, whose identify wasn’t instantly launched, walked as much as the embassy shortly earlier than 1 p.m. and commenced livestreaming on the video streaming platform Twitch, the particular person stated.

Legislation enforcement officers consider the person began a livestream, set his telephone down after which doused himself in accelerant and ignited the flames. At one level, he stated he “will not be complicit in genocide,” the particular person stated. The video was later faraway from the platform, however regulation enforcement officers have obtained and reviewed a replica.

The particular person was not approved to publicly focus on particulars of the continuing investigation and spoke to the AP on situation of anonymity.

Police didn’t instantly present any further particulars in regards to the incident.

The incident occurred as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is searching for the cupboard approval for a navy operation within the southern Gazan metropolis of Rafah whereas a brief ceasefire deal is being negotiated. Israel’s navy offensive in Gaza, nonetheless, has drawn criticisms, together with genocide claims towards the Palestinians.

Israel has adamantly denied the genocide allegations and says it’s finishing up operations in accordance with worldwide regulation within the Israel-Hamas struggle.

In December, an individual self-immolated exterior the Israeli consulate in Atlanta and used gasoline as an accelerant, in response to Atlanta’s fireplace authorities. A Palestinian flag was discovered on the scene, and the act was believed to be one in every of “excessive political protest.”

In a press release, the Metropolitan Police Division in Washington stated its officers had responded to the scene exterior the Israeli Embassy to help U.S. Secret Service officers and that its bomb squad had additionally been known as to look at a suspicious car. Police stated no hazardous supplies have been discovered within the car.