Masked protesters arrested outside Trump’s Board of Peace meeting
Al Jazeera
February 19, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered in downtown Washington, DC, outside a high-profile event hosted by former President Donald Trump, where they demonstrated against his Board of Peace initiative. Some protesters donned masks depicting Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Senator Marco Rubio to draw attention to their cause. The demonstration turned chaotic as police intervened, arresting several individuals after some were seen being shoved by law enforcement. Chants of “Free Palestine” echoed through the area, reflecting the protesters’ unwavering support for Palestinian rights and their opposition to Trump’s perceived pro-Israel stance.
The event took place during a time of heightened tensions between Israel and Palestine, with international attention focused on peace efforts in the region. Protesters viewed Trump’s Board of Peace meeting as an opportunity to highlight what they perceive as his administration’s biased approach toward Israel. By targeting key figures associated with US and Israeli policies, the protesters aimed to symbolize the broader struggle against what they see as systemic inequalities and injustices faced by Palestinians.
This incident underscores the ongoing divide over how to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and highlights the role of high-profile individuals like Trump in shaping perceptions of peace efforts. The arrests have sparked debates about free speech versus public safety, with critics arguing that such protests disrupt meaningful dialogue. Meanwhile, supporters of the Palestinian cause see these actions as a form of resistance against what they view as a lack of progress toward achieving a peaceful resolution.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/19/2026