More than 150 pro-Palestinian protesters calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war were reportedly arrested after blocking traffic in Manhattan on Friday night.
The demonstration – organized by Democratic Socialists of America – began at 5 p.m. in Bryant Park before the protesters marched towards Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand’s Midtown office.
During the route, scores of ralliers planted themselves on Fifth Avenue around 8 p.m., sitting in uniformed lines across the busy road.
The protesters stood their ground, despite orders from NYPD cops to move along or otherwise face summonses for disorderly conduct.
“Ceasefire now!” the demonstrators chanted as some were plucked from their places on the ground.
The detained protesters were taken away in buses, according to the DSA.
“150+ New Yorkers are being arrested for demanding ceasefire in Gaza!” the NYC chapter of the DSA wrote on X.
“Our movement won’t stand by while our government bankrolls war crimes. It’s time to end the blockade, send in humanitarian aid, and build a just & lasting peace.”
Video of the rally showed dozens of protesters shouting “Shame on you” at NYPD officers who flooded the street to watch over the massive movement.
The NYPD confirmed people were taken into custody, but could not give an estimate of the number of detainees as the incident was ongoing.
Protesters calling for a ceasefire sat in uniformed lines across Fifth Avenue. Darius Radzius/X
Several people were taken into custody, though it’s not clear whether they were arrested or issued summonses. Darius Radzius/XIt is unclear whether those detained by police were formally arrested or were issued summonses.
The demonstration is the latest in a series of Israel war-related protests in the Big Apple since Hamas launched its surprise attack on the Middle Eastern nation on Oct. 7.
Both pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian movements erupted across the five boroughs in the past two weeks, including a Thursday evening rally that saw hundreds calling for the release of hostages taken by Hamas.
Over 1,400 Israelis are dead, more than 4,200 are wounded and at least 100 were taken hostage, with the death toll expected to rise after Hamas terrorists fired thousands of rockets and sent dozens of militants into Israeli towns.
Gaza health officials report at least 3,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 12,500 injured.
