Arrests in New York As Pro-Palestinian Protesters Mark October 7 Anniversary
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Several people were arrested during pro-Palestinian demonstrations in New York as thousands marched through Manhattan, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Protests swept through the streets of Manhattan on Monday, with demonstrators demanding an end to the Israeli violence in Gaza.
According to local reports, police arrested several people during the protests, including clashes outside the New York Public Library and Times Square.
The New York Post reported that six individuals were taken into custody, with videos circulating online showing police officers pushing back protesters.
Earlier in the day, hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators held a walkout at Columbia University, protesting the ongoing war in Gaza.
They also read the names of more than 50,000 Palestinians reported to have been killed since the Israeli genocidal war escalated in October 2023.
The protests, which continued throughout the evening, saw large groups marching from Wall Street to Union Square and Times Square.
A notable confrontation occurred on Wall Street, where pro-Palestinian demonstrators unfurled a massive Palestinian flag outside the New York Stock Exchange.
Protest organizer Nerdeen Kiswani stated, "It's important for us to also not be scared of coming out here today just because they don't want us to. If it was up to the other side, we would never be allowed to protest at all."
However, the marchers were met by counter-protesters supporting the Israeli regime.
By evening, pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered in Madison Square Park, with numbers growing as they moved through the city.
Fahad Kiani, a pro-Palestinian protester, said, "Why is this the day everyone came here to protest? This day has led to genocide, starvation, and destruction. We have protested peacefully, and still, no one is listening."
Despite the tensions, the protests remained largely peaceful, with NYPD officers keeping groups separated.