More than 100 people were arrested in New York on Thursday as protesters demonstrated against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the United Nations General Assembly.
The protests took place near the UN headquarters as Netanyahu delivered his address to world leaders. Demonstrators called for accountability over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and an end to US military support for Israel.
According to Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), more than 400 people, including activists, politicians and organisers, took part in a sit-in that blocked part of First Avenue ahead of Netanyahu’s speech. The demonstration was organised by JVP and the New York City chapter of Democratic Socialists of America.
The New York Police Department said 103 people were arrested for disorderly conduct. Police said all those arrested had been released. Organisers said nine of those detained were elected officials or candidates for public office.
Among those arrested was Darializa Avila Chevalier, the Democratic nominee for New York’s 13th Congressional District.
Later in the day, thousands of people marched towards the UN headquarters in another demonstration organised by the Palestinian Youth Movement and The People’s Forum.
During his UN speech, Netanyahu rejected allegations that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza, describing the accusation as the “greatest lie of the century” and saying his government had taken measures to protect Palestinian civilians.
Netanyahu also criticised New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, accusing him of being anti-Semitic and of spreading false claims about Israel. Mamdani rejected the allegations and accused Netanyahu of making what he described as baseless claims about Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The protests highlighted the divisions surrounding Netanyahu’s appearance at the UN and renewed calls from demonstrators for international leaders and the US government to take action over the war in Gaza.
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