Representational (Anadolu Agency picture).
Washington: A US Air Force member on duty set himself on fire outside the Israeli Embassy in Washington DC, reportedly saying he "will no longer be complicit in genocide", Associated Press reported, citing sources.
The identity of the person, who is critical in condition due to severe burns, has not yet been published.
According to the report, the person walked up to the Embassy and started a live stream on the online platform Twitch, set his phone down and soaked himself with an accelerant to ignite flames.
It was after that he made the declaration that he "will no longer be complicit in genocide," the report said.
Though the platform removed the video, enforcement officials obtained a copy and reviewed it. AP's source requested anonymity since he was not authorized to reveal information regarding the incident.
However, police did not provide any information about the incident.
In a statement, the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington said its officers had responded to the scene outside the Israeli Embassy to assist US Secret Service officers and that its bomb squad had also been called to examine a suspicious vehicle. Police said no hazardous materials were found in the vehicle.
The self-immolation happened when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu moved for the cabinet's approval for a military operation in the southern Gazan city of Rafah, as well as a temporary ceasefire is also being negotiated.
When there is stark criticism against Israel of Palestinian genocide, the Netanyahu administration adamantly denies the same. It claims that they carry out operations in Gaza strictly in accordance with international humanitarian law.
In December, a person self-immolated outside the Israeli consulate in Atlanta and used gasoline as an accelerant, according to Atlanta's fire authorities. A Palestinian flag was found at the scene, and the act was believed to be one of "extreme political protest."