Protests in the US demand an end to arms sales to Israel

Hundreds of pro-Palestinian people have protested in the United States demanding a ban on arms sales to Israel and a blockade on the country.

They gathered in front of the US Capitol, the US Congress building, and protested on Saturday (October 10) local time.

At that time, they called for an end to the Israeli genocide in Gaza.

Protesters waved Palestinian flags and displayed placards condemning the massacre in Gaza and Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory.

Some placards highlight the economic costs of the US war, linking military spending to rising prices and low wages in the country.

The rally and march were organized by the Palestinian Youth Movement and other pro-Palestinian organizations. It is worth noting that three years have passed since the start of Israel's military operation in Gaza in October 2023.

The organizers called for renewed pressure on Washington to provide military and diplomatic support to Israel and demanded a "complete arms embargo and blockade" on Israel.

Nuhat Akkar, a member of the Palestinian Youth Movement, told Anadolu Agency that the protesters are determined to hold elected representatives accountable for US military aid to Israel.

"We will not accept this genocide as normal," he said. "We are sending a message to our people in Gaza and the region that we will continue to fight for them — not just to stop the genocide, but to achieve full liberation and return to their homeland."

Akkar also called on various government agencies to divest from companies that supply weapons to Israel. He said his organization is campaigning to divest more than $394 million in Virginia state pension funds from such companies.

He said, "We want elected representatives to take a stand against this investment."