Amid Israel’s escalating war with Hamas in Gaza, Jewish pro-Palestinian sympathizers called for an Israeli ceasefire in the region while gathering outside and inside the U.S. Capitol complex in Washington, D.C.

Thousands of protesters congregated Wednesday both around and inside the Cannon House Office Building, leading to multiple arrests of demonstrators.

“A group of protesters are demonstrating inside the Cannon Rotunda. Demonstrations are not allowed inside Congressional Buildings,” Capitol Police posted on X around 3 p.m. “We warned the protestors to stop demonstrating and when they did not comply we began arresting them.”

Capitol Police did not disclose how many protesters were arrested at the anti-Israel rally, led by progressive Jewish activists affiliated with Jewish Voice for Peace and IfNotNow.

“For 75 years, the Israeli government has illegally occupied Palestinian land and ethnically cleansed their communities,” Jewish Voice for Peace posted on X after several arrests were made. “Now, Gaza is facing genocide with full support from the U.S. and we’re here as Jews to refuse complicity and say never again, for anyone.” About 10,000 protesters were reportedly in attendance throughout the day.

After directing the demonstration outside, Capitol Police closed down roads near the Cannon Building to provide safety for the general public in the area. The roads re-opened around 5:20 p.m.

The House sergeant-at-arms told congressional offices all visitors would be restricted to a single door in an attempt to control the public flow into the complex. Other entry points were restricted to lawmakers and staff only. Office-building restrictions in the Capitol’s vicinity will reportedly lift at 7 p.m.

Bike-rack barriers were set up around the Capitol Tuesday night ahead of the large protest.