People in New York City took part in a protest on Saturday in support of Iran and Palestine, voicing strong opposition to U.S.government's support for Israel to provoke wars in the Middle East.
The demonstration took place amid escalating regional tensions. On June 13, Israel launched missiles at targets inside Iran, killing senior military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians. Iran responded with retaliatory strikes later that day, and the two sides have continued to trade missile attacks in the days since.
China Global Television Network (CGTN) stringer interviewed protesters about their take on the U.S. involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict. Edward, a retail worker, accused Israel of initiating this battle.
"Israel attacked Iran. Israel provoked this war," he said.
Doug Walters, a driver, denounced the U.S. government for backing Israel's wars over the past seven years.
"This has been stated, the policy years ago by the United States government, and Netanyahu was seven countries in seven years and we're on to the last country now - Iran. So we'll see what happens, but this is an existential battle. I think that the consensus is changing very quickly, and people are realizing that the State of Israel and its stated policy of oppression of people within their own borders cannot continue," said Walters.
Meanwhile, Julia, a local teacher, echoed Walters's view, saying that Israel misled the United States to entangle in a war with little chance of winning and believing that Iran has the strength to defend itself.
"Most Americans are against us being involved in any wars. And Americans are also understanding that most of these wars are for Israel. It's that seven wars for Israel plan, and Iran is the last one standing. But fortunately, Iran can actually defend itself. I think Iran is actually powerful enough to win this thing. I mean, even the Houthis basically chased away Trump. So if Trump couldn't beat the Houthis, I don't know how delusional he is," she said.
"Israel can't either. Israel is lying about the fact that they have control of the airspace, whatever, to try and make it to convince Trump that it's going to be an easy win. It's not going to be an easy win. I actually think Iran is going to win this," she continued.
Joanne, a local retiree, urged the U.S. government to stop supplying Israel with weapon for its war in the Middle East and make efforts to manage the conflict.
"Israel is claiming in all of its wars against Lebanon, Syria, Gaza, West Bank, and now Iran that it's defending itself. And that's clearly not what's going on. And the United States has been supporting Israel in all of its vicious wars. And we need to stop arming Israel. We need to rein in Israel," she said.
Despite the domestic opposition, U.S. President Donald Trump said late Saturday night that they completed a "very successful attack" on three nuclear sites in Iran -- Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
Americans voice strong opposition to US support for Israel
