The U.S. authorities have surrounded the complex that houses the White House in Washington, D.C., in preparation for the pro-Palestinian protests scheduled for today, Saturday.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Secret Service said, "In preparation for the events that will take place at the beginning of the week in Washington, D.C., where large crowds are likely to gather, additional public safety measures have been taken near the White House complex," according to the news site "Al Jazeera.net."

Earlier, U.S. President Joe Biden and the White House stated that they support peaceful protests, but not "chaos" and violence.

Thousands are expected to gather at protests organized by pro-Palestinian groups outside the White House to demand a ceasefire in Gaza, the immediate end of the blockade on the territory, the release of all Palestinian prisoners, and the end of the occupation.

Advocacy groups and activists, such as the women's movement "Code Pink" and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), said yesterday, Friday, that demonstrations are planned for today, Saturday, marking eight months since the start of the Israeli war in Gaza, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives and caused a humanitarian crisis with widespread hunger and devastation.

The United States, Israel's main ally, has witnessed months of pro-Palestinian protests ranging from marches in Washington to vigils near the White House and camps at several universities.

At least eight officials from President Joe Biden's administration have resigned due to their opposition to his policies, while protesters disrupted some events of Biden's re-election campaign.