Hundreds of protesters have been arrested after a “sit-in” on the main concourse of New York’s Grand Central Station, one of the city’s major transport hubs, demanding a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
The protesters, wearing black T-shirts reading ‘Ceasefire now’ and ‘Not in our name’, unfurled banners calling for freedom for Palestinians and an end to the bombardment of Gaza. “No more weapons. No more war. Ceasefire is what we’re fighting for,” they chanted, punching the air. Banners were hung from the concourse’s sweeping staircase, and across the departures board. “Mourn the dead, and fight like hell for the living,” read one.
The New York Police Department said it had arrested at least 200 protesters at the rally, which led to the temporary closure of the station. The anti-war group Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), which organised the demonstration, put the number of arrests at more than 300. Photos and videos showing police in the station alongside dozens of protesters whose arms had been tied behind their backs.
JVP said thousands had taken part in what it described as an “emergency sit-in”. The rally in New York came hours after Israel said its military was stepping up its air and ground attacks on the besieged Palestinian enclave of Gaza, and cut off communication networks. The latest violence erupted after Hamas launched a surprise assault on Israel on October 7, killing at least 1,400 people and taking some 200 Israelis and foreigners captive.
Israel responded by declaring war and launching a relentless bombardment of the territory, which is home to about 2.3 million people. At least 7,326 Palestinians have been killed in the attacks.
Source: Al Jazeera
