In a notable demonstration against U.S. and British military actions, a group of anti-war activists gathered at Times Square in New York City and outside the White House late on Thursday. The protesters voiced their opposition to the airstrikes conducted against Ansarollah military targets in Yemen, expressing concerns that such actions could escalate the conflict in Gaza.
The United States and Britain initiated the strikes, utilizing both air and sea forces, in response to Ansarollah attacks on ships in the Red Sea. The Ansarollah movement claims that these attacks serve as a manifestation of solidarity with Palestinians facing a blockade by Israel in the Hamas-governed Gaza Strip.
Chanting slogans like "hands off the Middle East," "hands off Yemen," and "hands off Gaza," the demonstrators at Times Square conveyed their strong anti-war message. Meanwhile, those gathered near the White House waved Palestinian flags and carried banners with messages such as "Free Palestine" and "stop bombing Yemen."
The airstrikes in Yemen have become a focal point of concern for anti-war activists, symbolizing a potential escalation in the wider conflict in Gaza that began in October. However, a joint statement from the U.S. and its allies emphasized that there was no intention to further escalate tensions in the region.