Protesters greet Biden in Los Angeles with chants of ‘genocide supporter’
U.S. president comes under fire for his continuous support of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza
A gathering of demonstrators supporting the Palestinian cause greeted U.S. President Joe Biden upon his arrival in the second most populous city of America Wednesday, expressing strong criticism toward his consistent backing of Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
As Biden’s convoy arrived at the Culver City Julian Dixon Library in Los Angeles, protesters chanted accusations such as “Advocate of genocide!” to voice their discontent.
The president proceeded to deliver a speech highlighting his initiatives to alleviate the burden of student debt in the United States, following an introduction by Mayor Karen Bass, who transitioned from her role as a Democratic representative to become the leader of Los Angeles.
Despite attempts by the protesters to disrupt Biden’s speech, their voices were momentarily drowned out by the audience’s applause.
As the President departed from the Julian Dixon Library, the demonstrators again raised their voices in protest.
Biden has consistently opposed calls for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, most recently vetoing a U.N. Security Council resolution advocating for one for the third time on Tuesday.
While his administration has been working to facilitate a mediated extension of the truce, these efforts have yet to yield results.
Since a cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7, Israel has launched a sustained military campaign in Gaza, resulting in a significant death toll and widespread destruction. The conflict has led to the loss of thousands of lives and left tens of thousands injured, with a disproportionate impact on the civilian population in Gaza.
The Israeli offensive has forced a large portion of Gaza’s residents into displacement, exacerbating shortages of essential supplies such as food, water and medical aid.
The U.N. reports that a substantial portion of the enclave’s infrastructure has been severely damaged or destroyed.
Accusations of genocide against Israel have been brought before the International Court of Justice, with an interim ruling in January demanding an end to genocidal acts and the provision of humanitarian aid to the affected civilians in Gaza. Despite these legal developments, the situation remains dire, with ongoing hostilities and insufficient aid reaching those in need.
Source: AA
