Pro-Palestinian demonstrators took to the streets in New York City, Boston and other US cities on Sunday as they celebrated the new year with New Year's Eve revelry.
A large group of protesters gathered at Columbus Circle in New York City, then marched down Central Park South to Fifth Avenue, leading to ongoing Middle East tensions between Israeli forces and Hamas terrorists, WCBS-TV reports. appealed for a ceasefire in the war.
Protesters in New York City were seen holding Palestinian flags and chanting, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”
The demonstrations began after New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced he was directing police to beef up security in Times Square ahead of New Year's Eve, amid near-daily protests across the city. .
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Protesters in New York City were seen holding Palestinian flags and chanting, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.” (Photo by Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket, Getty Images)
Pro-Palestinian groups had announced plans to hold a protest in Times Square against Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip.
At least one protester at Macy's in Herald Square fired a bright red smoke bomb and circled the store before being escorted out, according to reports.
A group called Shut It Down for Palestine appears to be involved in at least some of the protests in New York City. The protest was part of the group's call for an “international call to action” during New Year's Eve celebrations in support of Palestinians in Gaza.
“We will continue to build momentum, through marches, walkouts, sit-ins, and other forms of direct action against political offices, businesses, and workplaces that fund, invest in, and collaborate with Israel’s genocide and occupation. We must increase the pressure,” the group wrote on its website.
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Pro-Palestinian demonstrators took to the streets of New York City on Sunday as New Year's Eve revelers prepared to welcome in the new year. (Getty)
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Several demonstrators were seen chanting pro-Houthi chants at Columbus Circle in Manhattan.
In Boston, pro-Palestinian demonstrators chanted chants such as “ceasefire or genocide” and “we demand a ceasefire.” Demonstrators in Boston were also seen waving Palestinian flags during the chant.
Many other cities across the country also beefed up security on New Year's Eve. Some cities, including Chicago and Sacramento, were forced to close roads in response to the protests.
