Largest American civil rights group calls on Biden to end arms transfers to Israel

The largest civil rights organisation in the United States has issued a call for President Joe Biden's administration to suspend arms transfers to Israel over its conduct in the war on Gaza, a surprise move from the group that adds increased pressure for the US president as he tries to fortify his support among Black voters.

The National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (NAACP) made the announcement on Thursday with a statement from its president, Derrick Johnson.

"The NAACP calls on President Biden to draw the red line and indefinitely end the shipment of weapons and artillery to the state of Israel and other states that supply weapons to Hamas and other terrorist organisations," Johnson said.

"It is imperative that the violence that has claimed so many civilian lives immediately stop."

The call from the NAACP comes as Biden is trying to shore up his support among Black voters ahead of a contentious election against former US President Donald Trump, who is leading in several polls.