A large crowd of pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched in New York City on Saturday to protest the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, with many waving Palestinian flags and some getting into altercations with other New Yorkers. On Monday, hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters took their demonstration further by attempting to cancel Christmas in the city. Reports indicate that they carried a blood-covered mock Nativity scene and chanted, “Christmas is canceled here.” Along with canceling Christmas, protesters also shouted slogans such as “Long live the intifada” and “NYPD KKK, IDF they’re all the same.” The protesters targeted Rockefeller Center, where the popular Christmas Tree and ice skating rink are located, disrupting the holiday spirit for those visiting the area.
One protester carried a sign that read, “While Ur Shopping Bombs are Dropping,” highlighting the conflict between Israel and Palestine. Another sign, splattered with what appeared to be fake blood, read, “No Joy in Genocide,” and was placed on top of the mock Nativity scene. The protest escalated as night fell, leading to scuffles near St. Patrick’s Cathedral and arrests near Grand Central Station and Union Square. In one incident captured on video, an officer was seen holding his throat after being punched by a protester.
The NYPD is currently investigating the protest, and several arrests have already been made. One officer sustained a shoulder injury during the clashes. Earlier in the day, pro-Palestinian protesters also gathered near the homes of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in Virginia and Washington, D.C., respectively.
This is not the first time pro-Palestinian activists have disrupted the city. Last week, they marched through New York City, causing disruptions at major transportation hubs like Penn Station, Grand Central Station, and the Port Authority Bus Terminal. During the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade last month, anti-Israel activists chanted and sang “Palestine will be free” while others glued themselves to the parade route.
The ongoing Israel-Hamas war has caused significant casualties, with Israel vowing to wipe out Hamas after the militant group’s surprise attack on October 7. The Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza reports that more than 17,700 Palestinians have been killed since the war began.
In conclusion, pro-Palestinian protesters in New York City have escalated their demonstrations by attempting to cancel Christmas and targeting popular holiday destinations. These protests have resulted in altercations with other New Yorkers, arrests, and injuries. The ongoing Israel-Hamas war continues to be a contentious issue, with significant casualties reported on both sides.
