Protests erupt across several US cities against Washington's support for Israel

Chants of “Free Palestine” and criticisms of US leaders Biden and VP Harris, echo through the crowd

Protesters took to the streets in multiple US cities, decrying American military support for Israel as concerns grow over a broader Middle East conflict.

Demonstrations were held in cities such as New York and Washington, with participants calling for an arms embargo against Israel, citing the escalating violence in the region.

In New York's Herald Square, dozens of protesters held banners reading “Hands off Lebanon now” and “No U.S.-Israeli war on Lebanon,” organised by the ANSWER Coalition, an anti-war group.

Chants of “Free Palestine” and criticisms of US leaders, including President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, echoed through the crowd.

A similar protest took place outside the White House, despite heavy rain.

The demonstrations come as activists demand an end to US military aid to Israel, which they say enables its ongoing military actions in Gaza and Lebanon.

“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,” the ANSWER Coalition said in a statement.

Israel claims its actions are in self-defense, targeting militant groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, both backed by Iran. Despite growing international criticism, the US remains steadfast in its support for Israel.

President Biden reaffirmed that support earlier this year, calling it “ironclad” while also urging for a ceasefire.

The protests come as tensions flare across the Middle East, with Israel carrying out brutal onslaught on Gaza and Lebanon.

Flouting a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire, Israel has also continued a brutal offensive on Gaza since a Hamas attack last October 7.

Over the course of nearly a year, Israeli attacks have killed more than 41,000 people, mostly women and children, and injured over 95,500, according to local health authorities.

The Israeli onslaught has displaced almost the entire population of the territory and its wanton destruction amid an ongoing blockade has led to severe shortages of food, clean water, and medicine.

Israel also faces accusations of genocide for its actions in Gaza at the International Court of Justice.

Meanwhile, Israel’s airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon since Monday have killed at least 560 people, including 50 children, and wounded 1,800 others, according to Lebanese health officials.

The violence intensified after rockers were launched from Lebanon into northern Israel in retaliation to IDF strikes targetting Hezbollah commanders.

As the situation escalates, there are increasing fears of a full-scale regional war that could destabilize the Middle East. International leaders, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres, have urged restraint, warning of the catastrophic consequences of further escalation.

US President Biden told the UN General Assembly that a diplomatic solution remains possible, though neither Israel nor Hezbollah appears willing to back down.

Lebanon’s Health Minister, Dr. Firass Abiad, described the situation as “carnage,” with many of the victims being civilians.

Thousands of Lebanese have fled their homes, seeking refuge from the ongoing Israeli bombardment.