Pro-Palestinian protesters took to the streets of New York City on Monday, causing disruptions at major transportation hubs and bringing traffic to a standstill. The hundreds of protesters marched through the city, walking in traffic lanes and passing buses and cars, as they called for a cease-fire in Gaza.
Carrying Palestinian flags and signs with slogans such as “From Gaza to Jenin, Revolution until Victory” and “Support Palestinian Resistance,” the demonstrators made their way from Grand Central Station to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. There were reports that the protest would continue to Penn Station.
During the protest, one participant was captured on video claiming that the United States shared responsibility for the alleged genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The protester argued that the Palestinian people deserved protection from both Israeli and American forces.
This is not the first time anti-Israel activists have disrupted public events in New York City. Last month, protesters disrupted the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, chanting “Palestine will be free” and even gluing themselves to the street. Similarly, a pro-Palestinian “teach-in” event in California faced criticism for being labeled as “anti-Israel propaganda.”
The police have not yet provided details on the legality of the protests, any encountered issues, or whether arrests have been made. However, it is worth noting that Israel has vowed to eliminate Hamas following the militant group’s surprise attack on October 7th, resulting in the death of over 1,200 people in Israel and the capture of around 240 individuals by Gaza militants. The Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza has reported that over 17,700 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the war.
The protests in New York City reflect the ongoing tensions between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli groups. While the demonstrators call for a cease-fire and support for the Palestinian resistance, others argue that Israel has the right to defend itself against attacks from Hamas.
Overall, the protests have caused significant disruptions to the city’s transit system and have drawn attention to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The demands for a cease-fire and the protection of Palestinian civilians continue to resonate with pro-Palestinian activists.
