Hundreds of demonstrators gathered near United Nations headquarters in New York City on Thursday ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.
The demonstration, led by Jewish Voice for Peace, included a sit-in on First Avenue that disrupted traffic near the UN complex as Netanyahu prepared to take the General Assembly stage.
Protesters carried banners and wore shirts bearing messages including “Fund people, not bombs,” while demonstrators chanted “Let Gaza live” and called for an end to arms transfers to Israel.
Jewish, Palestinian, Iranian and Lebanese New Yorkers were among those participating in the demonstration, alongside activists and several prominent public figures.
Police moved in as protesters continued blocking the roadway, detaining a number of participants. Oscar-winning actor Susan Sarandon was among those detained during the demonstration.
Reuters photographs showed Sarandon being detained by police, while footage from the protest showed large groups of demonstrators sitting in the street near UN headquarters.
Protests Coincide With Netanyahu’s UN Address
The demonstrations took place as Netanyahu prepared to address mounting international criticism of Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
Ahead of his appearance, Netanyahu said he would use the UN platform to defend Israel’s military actions and respond to accusations directed at his government.
Outside the UN, protesters called for an end to the war in Gaza and urged governments to halt weapons supplies to Israel.
Additional demonstrations connected to Netanyahu’s visit and UN appearance were expected in Manhattan throughout the day.
