Protesters urge end to US arms transfers to Israel in Capitol Hill demonstrations.
Hundreds of advocates staged a surprise sit-in protest at the US Capitol complex against the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Organized by Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), the demonstrators appeared wearing matching T-shirts stating “Jews say stop arming Israel” and “Not in our name”.
Seeking to draw attention to the situation, the participants assembled rapidly inside the Cannon House Office Building. However, Capitol Police soon declared the area closed and started arresting protesters refusing to disperse.
The demonstration came ahead of Israeli PM Netanyahu‘s scheduled congressional address. For over 9 months, experts have warned of Israeli actions constituting genocide in Gaza, which has thus far resulted in thousands of Palestinian deaths.
Nonetheless, the US has maintained military aid to Israel and vetoed UN resolutions pressing for a ceasefire. Protesters called on the Biden administration to support an actual end to hostilities and impose an arms embargo.
Speaking to reporters, activists said their forefathers taught them the importance of rejecting bystandership during ethnic cleansing. They emphasized the need to pressure the US government through civil disobedience.
Over 400 arrests were reported as officers steadily removed demonstrators. While decrying the “genocide”, participants vowed to continue efforts to halt US weapon transfers aiding the conflict. The action marked the progressive Jewish community’s ongoing push for a change in Washington’s Israel policy.
