On Tuesday, protests erupted in various US cities, with demonstrators expressing their outrage against American military support for Israel as tensions in the Middle East escalate. Amidst the growing risks of a full-fledged conflict, anti-war activists are calling for an arms embargo against the US ally.
Dozens of protesters gathered in Herald Square, New York City, carrying banners that read “Hands off Lebanon now” and “no US-Israeli war on Lebanon,” according to the ANSWER coalition group, which stands for “Act Now to Stop War and End Racism.” Chants of “Hands off the Middle East,” “Free Palestine,” and “Biden, Harris, Trump and Bibi; none are welcome in our city” echoed through the square, targeting US President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, former President Donald Trump, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
A smaller protest with similar slogans and banners was also observed near the White House in Washington D.C., despite the rainy weather.
The ANSWER coalition group issued a statement condemning Israel’s actions, stating that “Israel’s attacks in Lebanon and the ongoing siege and genocide in Gaza are made possible by the huge amount of bombs, missiles and warplanes provided by the US government.” They also announced that similar protests were planned for Tuesday in cities such as San Francisco, Seattle, San Antonio, and Phoenix.
Israel maintains that its actions are a necessary act of self-defense against militant groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, which it considers hostile. Despite mounting domestic and international criticism, the United States has continued to support its ally. In May, President Biden affirmed the US’s “ironclad” support for Israel, while also calling for an immediate ceasefire. He addressed the situation at a Jewish American Heritage Month event at the White House, stating, “What’s happening in Gaza is not genocide. We reject that.”
However, the United States has witnessed months of protests over Israel’s war in Gaza, which has resulted in over 41,000 deaths according to the local health ministry. The conflict has also triggered a hunger crisis, displaced the entire 2.3 million population of Gaza, and led to accusations of genocide at the World Court, which Israel denies.
Israel’s military offensive in Gaza followed a deadly attack by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas on October 7, which claimed the lives of approximately 1,200 people and resulted in the abduction of around 250 individuals, based on Israeli reports.
Since Monday morning, Israel’s offensive in Lebanon has caused over 560 deaths, including 50 children, and injured 1,800. Israel claims to have targeted Hezbollah militants, who are supported by Iran, while Hezbollah has also launched rockets at Israeli military positions.
The escalating situation has heightened concerns of a wider regional war, potentially destabilizing the Middle East. Leaders from various United Nations member states convened this week in the United States, with the crisis in the Middle East topping the agenda. The ongoing conflict continues to raise alarm bells worldwide.
