New York: Police arrested more than 200 pro-Palestinian demonstrators outside the New York Stock Exchange, where they staged a sit-in to demand an end to U.S. support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza. The protest, held on Monday and led by activist groups such as Jewish Voice for Peace, saw protesters chanting slogans like “Let Gaza live” and “Stop funding genocide” in front of the stock exchange’s iconic building in lower Manhattan.
Although none of the protesters entered the stock exchange, many breached a police security fence outside the building on Broad Street. According to a police spokesperson, a total of 206 arrests were made, though specific details were not provided. Protest organizers estimate that around 500 people participated in the demonstration. The stock exchange did not issue an immediate comment on the event.
The demonstrators expressed outrage at U.S. defense contractors and arms manufacturers, while others denounced Israeli military actions in Lebanon, where Israel is reportedly targeting Iran-backed Hezbollah militants. Jewish Voice for Peace took to social media, stating, “(Hundreds) of Jews and friends are shutting down the New York Stock Exchange to demand the U.S. stop arming Israel and profiting from genocide.”
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Israel, which denies genocide accusations at the World Court, maintains that its military operations in Gaza are aimed at neutralizing Hamas militants, not civilians. In addition to the pro-Palestinian protesters, a small group of pro-Israel counter-protesters appeared at the site, carrying Israeli flags.
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This protest is the latest in a wave of demonstrations against U.S. support for Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which Israel initiated following the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas. According to Israeli figures, the attacks left 1,200 people dead and 250 others taken hostage. In response, Israel launched a military offensive on Gaza that, according to local health officials, has since resulted in the deaths of nearly 42,000 Palestinians and displaced almost the entire population.
