President Joe Biden's decision to pause weapons sales to Israel will not deter ongoing protests in Gaza, according to organizers of the demonstrations. The move, which was announced as part of a broader review of arms sales to the region, has been met with mixed reactions.
Protest organizers in Gaza have stated that while they appreciate the gesture, they believe that more concrete actions are needed to address the root causes of the conflict. They argue that a temporary pause in weapons sales is not enough to bring about lasting peace and stability in the region.
The decision to halt arms sales to Israel comes amid escalating tensions between Israelis and Palestinians, with violent clashes erupting in recent weeks. The Biden administration has expressed support for Israel's right to defend itself, while also calling for a de-escalation of the violence.
Meanwhile, critics of the pause argue that it does not go far enough in holding Israel accountable for its actions in the conflict. They have called for a more comprehensive review of U.S. military aid to Israel and for stronger measures to ensure that American weapons are not used in human rights abuses.
Despite the pause in weapons sales, protests in Gaza are expected to continue as demonstrators demand an end to the Israeli occupation and a resolution to the long-standing conflict. Organizers have vowed to keep up the pressure until their demands for justice and freedom are met.
As the situation in the region remains tense, the Biden administration faces mounting pressure to take a more active role in brokering a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. The decision to pause weapons sales to Israel is just one step in what is likely to be a long and challenging process of addressing the underlying issues fueling the conflict.