Hundreds of demonstrators gathered near United Nations headquarters in New York as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the General Assembly, prompting traffic disruptions and arrests. The Netanyahu UN protest brought together activists, public figures and elected officials amid continuing debate over the Gaza war and US policy toward Israel.
Gaza rally draws hundreds near the UN
Demonstrators gathered in Midtown Manhattan on September 24, wearing shirts carrying anti-war messages and chanting slogans including “Let Gaza live.” Protesters included Jewish, Palestinian, Iranian and Lebanese New Yorkers, according to organizers and reports from the scene. Some participants sat in the roadway for more than an hour, forcing official vehicles traveling toward the UN to change routes.
Several banners used the term “genocide” to describe Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. That characterization was made by demonstrators and advocacy groups; Israel has rejected accusations that its actions amount to genocide and Netanyahu used his UN address to defend Israel’s conduct in the war.
Arrests follow police dispersal warnings
Police ordered demonstrators blocking streets near the UN to disperse and warned that arrests would follow. According to the NYPD, roughly 100 people who did not comply were taken into custody. Actor Susan Sarandon was among those detained, while several other public figures participated in the demonstrations.
The protest unfolded during an already intensive security operation surrounding the 81st United Nations General Assembly. City officials said thousands of NYPD officers were assigned around UN headquarters, while federal and local agencies coordinated security for visiting world leaders.
JFK rally targets military shipments
The demonstrations were not limited to Midtown. A day earlier, members of the Democratic Socialists of America’s New York City chapter protested at John F. Kennedy International Airport over reported transportation of weapons and explosive materials intended for the Israeli military on commercial aircraft.
The actions reflected continuing political divisions in New York over the Gaza war, US military support for Israel and the treatment of Palestinian civilians.
Mamdani response focuses on protest rights
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said before the General Assembly that he did not plan to attend protests surrounding the event. He also stressed that New Yorkers were free to decide whether to demonstrate and that the city would respect lawful First Amendment activity.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said ahead of the UN gathering that police were prepared to facilitate lawful demonstrations while maintaining security and responding to violence, property destruction or other violations of law.
NYPD balances protests and UN security
The Netanyahu UN protest added another challenge to one of New York City’s largest annual security operations. Officials had already warned residents to expect heavy police deployments, motorcades and traffic disruptions around Midtown during the General Assembly.
Netanyahu’s UN appearances have repeatedly drawn demonstrations, and this year’s protests again placed the Gaza conflict, US support for Israel and the right to public protest at the center of political debate in New York.
