Anti-war demonstrators took to the streets outside the White House and Times Square in New York City to condemn the recent US and UK airstrikes on Houthi military targets in Yemen. The protesters, coordinated by the ANSWER alliance (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism), expressed their opposition to the military action, calling it a “major escalation” that could further destabilize the region, particularly impacting Gaza.
Voicing their disapproval of the airstrikes, the protestors urged the Biden administration to halt the bombing in Yemen, highlighting concerns about the potential consequences and the risk of escalating conflicts in the Middle East. The demonstration, organized on Thursday, featured slogans such as “hands off the Middle East,” “hands off Yemen,” and “hands off Gaza.”
Palestinian flags were waved by the protesters outside the White House, who also held placards reading “Free Palestine,” “Let Yemen Live,” and “Stop Bombing Yemen.” The coordinated protests aimed to draw attention to the perceived threat of a broader regional conflict stemming from the military strikes in Yemen.
The US airstrikes in Yemen were conducted in response to a series of drone and missile attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea attributed to the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. The Biden administration justified the military action by citing the need to protect global trade and commerce routes, emphasizing a historic obligation to safeguard these vital arteries.
However, the airstrikes faced criticism from various quarters, including Democrats who condemned President Joe Biden for not seeking Congressional approval. Lawmakers, including Indian American Representative Ro Khanna, labeled the strikes as unconstitutional and raised concerns about potential entanglement in another Middle East conflict.
Khanna, in a statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), emphasized the constitutional requirement for the President to seek Congressional authorization before engaging in military actions. Other lawmakers, including Representative Val Hoyle and Representative Pramila Jayapal, echoed similar sentiments, stressing the importance of adhering to the Constitution and emphasizing Congressional oversight.
In response to the airstrikes, the Houthi rebels vowed retaliation against the US and the UK, warning of a “heavy price” and dire consequences for what they deemed a “blatant aggression.” The situation adds to the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region, with ongoing concerns about the impact on regional stability and the potential for a wider conflict.
As the international community closely watches developments, the protests outside the White House and in Times Square underscore the public’s call for diplomatic solutions and a cessation of military actions that could exacerbate tensions in the already volatile region.
Sources By Agencies