Protesters in New York disrupt traffic, demand end to the Israeli genocide in Gaza
New York (Quds News Network) – In a coordinated move yesterday, hundreds of pro-Palestine demonstrators closed three vital bridges and a tunnel connecting Manhattan with the rest of New York City, protesting against the ongoing Israeli aggression in the Gaza Strip.
Demonstrators tied themselves with tires and banners, blocking the Brooklyn Bridge that links the borough to the Financial District in Manhattan.
Olivia Levin (31), a protester and actress-writer, emphasized the significance of disrupting daily activities to highlight the urgency of ending the blockade in Gaza, stating, “These protests are crucial to halt the gunfire.”
Chanting “Free Palestine,” protesters gathered on the Brooklyn Bridge, mirroring similar actions on the Manhattan and Williamsburg Bridges, disrupting the flow of traffic between Manhattan and Brooklyn.
The bridge-and-tunnel actions were staged on the three-month anniversary of the start of Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza, which has left an estimated 23,000 Palestinians killed, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
The protests were organized by members of a handful of groups, including the Palestinian Youth Movement, the Palestine Right to Return Coalition, Jewish Voice for Peace, and Writers Against the War on Gaza.
A statement shared by the Palestinian Youth Movement said the protest meant to amplify five demands: an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, an end to the 17-year blockade of Gaza, the release of all Palestinian prisoners being held without charge or trial, an end to Israel’s military occupation, and the end to U.S. military funding to Israel.
Protesters are gathered outside the New York Stock Exchange building in support of Palestine and calling for a ceasefire. pic.twitter.com/LY2zkvx9Ap
— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) January 8, 2024
