Atleast 320 pro-Palestinian protesters were apprehended following a protest in New York City, blocking traffic on major bridges for over two hours during peak hours to advocate for a Gaza ceasefire, according to city officials.
Over 1,000 protesters stood united, disrupting traffic flow from downtown Manhattan at the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, Williamsburg Bridge, and the Holland Tunnel. This demonstration was led by Jamil Madbak, an organizer with the Palestinian Youth Movement.
Madbak, 29, told CNN, “Our intention was to congest the city’s main thoroughfares to spotlight the ongoing Palestinian plight and Gaza’s tragedy.” He emphasized the impact of American involvement in the conflict, condemning the use of American-funded weaponry and media protection.
Chanting “Free Palestine” and displaying signs reading “ceasefire now” and “USA stop arming Israel,” demonstrators demanded a ceasefire and an end to U.S. support for Israel.
The Palestinian Youth Movement outlined “five key demands,” including a permanent ceasefire, cessation of U.S. support for Israel, an end to the Gaza blockade, the termination of Zionist occupation, and the release of Palestinian political detainees.
This protest led to significant traffic congestion across lower Manhattan and impacted various districts. Despite these disruptions, normal traffic resumed on the bridges and tunnels by 11:15 a.m., according to the NYPD.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian Ministry of Health reported that at least 22,835 Palestinians have died in Gaza since the conflict’s onset, with over 60% being women and children. Additionally, 58,416 Palestinians have been injured, and the surviving displaced individuals face immense challenges due to lack of resources and harsh conditions.