Hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered outside the US Capitol on Saturday, calling for an end to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and demanding that Washington impose an arms embargo and sanctions on Israel.
The protesters waved Palestinian flags and displayed banners condemning the violence in Gaza and Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories. Some participants also highlighted the domestic economic consequences of US military spending, linking overseas conflicts with rising living costs and stagnant wages.
The Palestinian Youth Movement and other pro-Palestinian organizations organized the demonstration to mark three years since Israel launched its military offensive in Gaza in October 2023. Organizers urged the US government to end its military and diplomatic support for Israel and called for a comprehensive arms embargo and sanctions.
Nouhad Akkar, a representative of the Palestinian Youth Movement, told Anadolu that protesters intended to hold elected officials accountable for Washington’s military assistance to Israel. She said the movement would continue opposing what it described as genocide and advocating for Palestinian freedom and the right of displaced people to return.
Akkar also called on public institutions to withdraw investments from weapons manufacturers supplying Israel. She highlighted a campaign urging Virginia’s state retirement system to divest more than $394 million in pension investments from companies linked to the arms industry.
Protesters Criticize Regional Military Operations
Isabella Javidan of the National Iranian American Council connected Israel’s military campaign in Gaza with operations in Lebanon and Iran. She accused US lawmakers and defence contractors of contributing to violence across the region.
Javidan argued that these conflicts were interconnected rather than separate events. She criticized members of Congress for prioritizing military power and defence industry interests over diplomacy and civilian welfare.
She further stressed that decisions involving weapons transfers, military assistance and economic sanctions directly affect civilian populations.
Jewish American Demonstrator Opposes Military Aid
One demonstrator, identified only as Erik W. at his request, said he opposed the use of Jewish Americans’ security concerns to justify continued US arms supplies to Israel.
Describing himself as a Jewish American, he argued that providing weapons to Israel did not help combat antisemitism and expressed concern about the impact of Israeli government actions on perceptions of Jewish people.
His placard read, “No genocide in our name.” He called for an immediate arms embargo and urged the public to confront allegations of genocide and ethnic cleansing in Gaza rather than avoid the terminology.
Following the march, organizers had scheduled a discussion featuring Palestinian political figure Mustafa Barghouti and writer Jehad Abusalim.
Demonstration Ahead of US Midterm Elections
The rally took place weeks before the November 3 US congressional midterm elections. Congress plays a significant role in approving military assistance to Israel, making the election politically important for campaigners seeking changes in Washington’s Middle East policy.
The demonstration came amid growing public criticism in the United States of Israel’s actions and increasing demands for the government to reconsider its continued military and diplomatic backing of Israel.
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