Hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators have marched on Times Square and the World Trade Center, continuing protests in a week in which anti-Israel demonstrators have halted traffic at JFK Airport.
Chants like “Biden, you'll see, Palestine will be free” and “Israel bombs, the US pays, how many children did you kill today?” was part of the demonstrators' rhetoric.
Effigies of children murdered in Gaza were seen after people took part in the silent procession organized partly by older Jewish groups through Midtown Manhattan earlier Thursday.
The march to the World Trade Center was focused around the entrance to the Oculus, a huge shopping center that also houses the PATH train.
The rail system transports approximately 45 million passengers annually between Manhattan, Jersey City, Hoboken and Newark. It is the fifth most used rail system in America.
Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters marched Thursday in Times Square and then on foot from Zuccotti Park to the World Trade Center
The groups unequivocally called for a ceasefire as Israel continues to battle Hamas terrorists.
Both marches featured dozens of police officers trying to keep the peace, while pro-Israel protesters also made their voices heard.
It is unclear whether any arrests have been made or whether any injuries have occurred as a result of the demonstrations.
The Zuccotti Park protest was deemed an “emergency” by the pro-Palestinian group Within Our Lifetime.
“This is a crucial moment to express our opposition to U.S. funding and support that contributes to the genocide of our people,” the group wrote. Instagram.
“Let us flood the streets of New York City with our message to end not just the bombs on Gaza, but the siege, blockade, occupation and colonization of all of Palestine.”
They called the Thursday afternoon march an attempt to “FLOOD NEW YORK CITY FOR PALESTINE.”
“In our pursuit of freedom, we will settle for nothing less than complete liberation from the river to the sea,” added the organization, which says it is a “Palestinian-led community organization.”
Chants like “Biden, you'll see, Palestine will be free” and “Israel is bombing, the US is paying, how many children have you killed today?” was part of the demonstrators' rhetoric
Effigies of children murdered in Gaza were seen after people took part in a silent procession through Midtown Manhattan earlier Thursday
The groups unequivocally called for a ceasefire as Israel continues to battle Hamas terrorists
Effigies of children killed in Gaza are seen after people took part in silent procession through Midtown Manhattan
Protesters, dressed in black and holding shrouded dolls, stage a silent demonstration for children killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza
Pro-Palestinian protesters march demanding a ceasefire
The Zuccotti Park protest was deemed an 'emergency' by the pro-Palestinian group Within Our Lifetime
According to Mayor Eric Adams of New York, there have been more than 500 demonstrations in the city since the Hamas terrorist attack in Israel on October 7, in which 1,200 people were killed.
Adams, a Democrat, admitted it was likely that protesters would try to disrupt the annual New Year's Eve party in Times Square, where more than a million people often gather at midnight to celebrate.
One protester, Katie Unger, referenced preparing for the celebration in a post on X as she marched.
“They're celebrating New Year's Eve in Times Square. We are here to insist that the people of Gaza and Palestine also have the right to a prosperous, peaceful New Year.”
It comes a day after police arrested pro-Palestinian protesters who blocked access to New York City's John F. Kennedy Airport on one of the busiest travel days of the year.
Travelers were forced to get out of their cars and walk with their luggage to the airport in New York after activists demanding a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas blocked the road to one of the country's largest and busiest airports on Wednesday. country had blocked.
Port Authority police were notified of the protest activity on the Van Wyck Expressway at JFK Airport around 11:30 a.m.
Police said 26 arrests were made for disorderly conduct and obstructing vehicular traffic. The roadway was reopened at 11:50 am.
The march to the World Trade Center was focused around the entrance to the Oculus, a huge shopping center that also houses the PATH train.
New York police officers block an entrance to the World Trade Center as pro-Palestinian protesters march demanding a ceasefire
Police arrested 26 pro-Palestinian protesters blocking access to New York City's John F. Kennedy Airport on one of the busiest travel days of the year
Port Authority police said they were called to the scene on the Van Wyck Expressway at JFK Airport around 11:30 a.m. and were able to reopen the road at 11:50 a.m.
Police said 26 arrests were made for disorderly conduct and obstructing vehicular traffic
Travelers were forced to get out of their cars and walk to the airport with their luggage
“During the disruption, the Port Authority dispatched two airport buses, which provided rides to travelers involved in the backup so they could reach the airport safely,” Port Authority media relations said.
Video shows demonstrators joining hands to create a line blocking traffic, holding signs calling for a free Palestine and chanting, “From the sea to the river, Palestine will live forever.” '
Port Authority police arrest the protesters, load them onto an airport bus and take them into custody.
In Los Angeles, video shows protesters meet at the LAX sign at the airport.
The Los Angeles Police Department said, “The LAPD is aware of an ongoing protest in the LAX area. Traffic in the area is currently disrupted. Avoid the area and continue to stay tuned for updates.”
FOX 11 Reported authorities declared an unlawful assembly as pro-Palestinian protesters blocked traffic outside Los Angeles International Airport.
A dozen protesters were detained outside Los Angeles International Airport as they blocked access to the airport
“The crew on scene said the group of protesters were carrying signs with messages such as 'A ceasefire is not enough' and 'Liberate Palestine,'” FOX 11 reported.
It turned into a chaotic scene when police arrived around 9:30 a.m. and protesters reportedly ran in different directions, while some were taken into custody. Officials said a dozen protesters had been arrested by 10:10 a.m.
Video showed heavy traffic along Century Boulevard and travelers were encouraged to use Sepulveda Blv, Arbor Vitae Street and Airport Way as an alternative. Century Boulevard has since reopened, but traffic reportedly remains heavy.
About 39 million passengers are expected to fly to destinations over the next two weeks, with airports preparing to receive up to 2.5 million passengers per day.
The TSA expects a six percent increase in passenger numbers over last year, with the busiest days expected to be December 21, 29 and January 1.
