Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters held a rally and march outside the US Capitol on Saturday, demanding an arms embargo and sanctions against Israel.
Protesters carrying Palestinian flags held signs criticizing developments in Gaza and Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories. Some signs drew a connection between US war spending and high prices and low wages in the country.
Video: Demonstrators gather outside the Capitol to call for an arms embargo on Israel
Call to end support for Israel
The demonstration, organized by the Palestinian Youth Movement and other pro-Palestinian groups, was held to mark the third anniversary of the start of Israel’s military operation in Gaza. Organizers called for increased pressure against the military and diplomatic support the US provides to Israel.
Nouhad Akkar, a representative of the Palestinian Youth Movement, said elected officials should be held accountable for US military aid to Israel. “We will not allow this genocide to be normalized,” Akkar said, adding that they would continue supporting the people of Gaza and the region.
Akkar also called for public investments in companies that supply weapons to Israel to be withdrawn. She said they were campaigning for the withdrawal of more than $394 million in pension investments held by Virginia’s state retirement system in these companies.
Accusations against members of Congress and defense companies
Isabella Javidan, a representative of the National Iranian American Council, linked the operations in Gaza to military activities in Lebanon and Iran. Javidan accused US lawmakers and defense companies of enabling violence in the region.
Javidan said members of Congress must consider the consequences for civilians of decisions concerning arms shipments, military financing and sanctions. Arguing that events in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran were not separate tragedies, Javidan said lawmakers had prioritized military force and the interests of the war industry over diplomacy.
Erik W., who said he was Jewish American and asked that only his first name be used, said some politicians use the security of Jewish Americans to defend arms support for Israel. W., who argued that arming Israel did not constitute combating antisemitism, carried a sign reading, “Do not arm genocide in my name.”
A discussion featuring Palestinian politician Mustafa Barghouti and writer Jehad Abusalim was planned after the march. The demonstration was held weeks before the November 3 midterm elections, when members of Congress will vote on approving military aid to Israel.
The demonstration took place as dissatisfaction with Israel’s actions was growing among the US public and calls to end Washington’s current support for Israel were gaining prominence.
