Protesters rally outside US Capitol demanding arms embargo and sanctions on Israel

Hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators have rallied outside the United States Capitol to demand an immediate end to Israel's genocide in Gaza, calling for an absolute US arms embargo and comprehensive sanctions against Israel.

Waving Palestinian flags and carrying banners outside congressional offices, protesters denounced the continued occupation and highlighted the domestic economic toll of foreign wars, directly linking overseas military expenditure to escalating living costs and low domestic wages.

Organised by the Palestinian Youth Movement alongside allied groups, the march marked three years since the start of Israel's genocide in October 2023.

Nouhad Akkar of the Palestinian Youth Movement told Anadolu agency that activists are resolved to hold lawmakers accountable for billions in military assistance: "We will not let this genocide be normalised... We are sending a message to our people in Gaza, to our people in the region, that we will continue to fight for them, not just for an end to the genocide, but until total liberation and return."

Midterm pressure

Akkar called on public institutions to divest from defence contractors supplying Israel, highlighting an ongoing campaign pressing Virginia's state pension system—where numerous federal employees reside—to withdraw more than $394 million invested in arms firms.

Isabella Javidan of the National Iranian American Council addressed the crowd, connecting the destruction in Gaza to military aggression across Lebanon and Iran.

"These are not isolated tragedies. They are not separate" Javidan stated, accusing members of Congress of choosing "the interests of the war industry over the lives of millions".

Jewish-American demonstrator Erik W. rejected political arguments invoking the safety of Jewish citizens to justify military aid: "For me personally, as a Jewish American, I feel like there are a lot of people in government who are speaking on my behalf and are justifying arming a genocide. I think arming Israel does not combat antisemitism."

The demonstration arrived weeks ahead of the November 3, midterm congressional elections, coming amid growing public disapproval of unconditional military funding for Israel.