US Air Force man sets himself on fire outside Israeli Embassy in 'protest' for Palestinians

A serving US Air Force member, disheartened by the genocide of Palestinians, set himself on fire outside the Israeli embassy in Washington, D.C.

The Air Force personnel broadcasted his protest live on the Amazon-owned Twitch platform, stating, "My name is Aaron Bushnell; I'm an active duty member of the United States Air Force, and I will no longer be complicit in genocide."

He added, "I'm about to engage in an extreme act of protest, but compared to what people have been experiencing in Palestine at the hands of their colonisers, it's not extreme at all."

While engulfed in flames, the 25-year-old continued chanting 'Free Palestine' until he collapsed on the floor. A few minutes later, police and local authorities reached the scene. 

A police officer was seen pointing at Bushnell while other emergency service members tried to extinguish the fire, as shown in the video.

An 'X' user Talia Jane shared Bushnell's self-immolation and protest video with consent from the 'loved ones of Aaron Bushnell.' Authorities verified Bushnell's identity as a member of the US Air Force.

The Israeli genocide in Gaza has led to the death of 30,000 Palestinians, majority women and children, with thousands still under the rubble and many suffering from acute injuries.

Rafah, bordering Egypt, is the last refuge for Palestinians who were pushed out of northern Gaza on the pretext of refuge. However, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) also launched brutal attacks on these so-called safe sites.

According to Al-Jazeera, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has openly declared to target Rafah with the condition that the assault might be postponed if a captives deal is negotiated.

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), said in a statement that the last successful delivery of food in Gaza was on January 23. UNRWA appealed for increased international aid to prevent famine in the Palestinian territory.