NEW YORK: Thousands of demonstrators flooded Manhattan streets Friday, marching from Times Square to United Nations headquarters to denounce Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to the 80th UN General Assembly.
The protests, among the largest of the week, highlighted mounting anger over the Gaza war and Israel’s expanding regional campaign.
Pro-Palestinian organizations, including Within Our Lifetime and the Palestinian Youth Movement, led the rally. Demonstrators waved Palestinian flags, carried signs reading “Stop Genocide” and “Free Palestine,” and chanted “Arrest Netanyahu!” as they advanced toward the UN. Organizers accused Israel of committing atrocities in Gaza, where local officials say Israeli strikes have killed more than 65,000 Palestinians since October 2023.
Activists livestreamed the march, and social media users quickly shared clips. One viral video showed crowds outside UN headquarters demanding Netanyahu’s arrest, amplifying the contrast between his speech inside and the outrage outside.
Inside the UN, diplomats staged a dramatic protest in the General Assembly. More than 100 envoys from over 50 countries walked out as Netanyahu began speaking, leaving much of the chamber empty. The action marked one of the most visible rebukes of Israel at this year’s UNGA.
Netanyahu pressed on with his 30-minute address. He vowed to “finish the job” against Hamas “as fast as possible,” rejected Palestinian statehood as a “disgraceful” threat, and displayed a map linking Iran to militant groups. He also claimed hackers broadcast his speech into Gaza, though journalists reported no evidence to support it.
Rising International Pressure
Families of Israeli hostages stepped up criticism at home, accusing Netanyahu of prolonging the conflict and neglecting negotiations.
U.S. President Donald Trump warned Israel not to annex West Bank territories, stressing growing global support for Palestinian statehood. Meanwhile, Israel intensified strikes in Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen, drawing sharp condemnation. Diplomats said more than 30 UN member states are preparing sanction proposals, signaling a possible escalation in punitive measures.
Earlier in the week, on September 23, thousands had already marched in New York demanding a ceasefire, setting the stage for Friday’s larger rally. Activists said the back-to-back demonstrations show sustained momentum, turning protests into a defining backdrop for this year’s General Assembly.
The combination of mass protests outside the UN and empty seats inside underscored Israel’s widening rift with much of the international community, raising urgent questions about the future of the Gaza war and Israel’s global standing.