In a powerful display of solidarity with Palestine, thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters took to the streets of Manhattan on Friday evening, demanding an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. The demonstration, which saw around 2,000 participants, began at Colombus Circle at 5pm before making its way through the bustling Midtown district of Manhattan, effectively bringing traffic to a halt.

Chanting slogans such as “Free Palestine” and "End the genocide," the protesters displayed banners carrying heartfelt messages calling for an end to the violence and bloodshed. The group then proceeded to surround the New York Times building near Times Square, where they symbolically smeared the entrance with red paint, resembling blood. The protesters then continued their march towards Grand Central Station.

However, their approach to the transportation hub was met with resistance, as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's Metro-North Railroad announced that access to the main terminal was blocked and trains were being diverted. The demonstrators, undeterred, resorted to banging on the doors of Grand Central, prompting a clash with the police. Several videos shared on social media showcased the intensity of the moment, with protesters fervently hitting the doors while officers stood resolute on the other side.

Despite the clashes, the demonstration remained largely peaceful. The New York Police Department (NYPD) reported that six protesters were arrested for disorderly conduct. The NYPD estimated that around 2,000 individuals participated in the march, making their voices heard in support of the lives lost and affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The protest in Manhattan is part of a series of demonstrations that have taken place almost daily in New York City, condemning Israel's war with Hamas. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of more than 11,000 people in Gaza, and the protesters are demanding an end to the violence. Israel initiated its bombing campaign and ground offensive into Gaza after Hamas terrorists killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and kidnapped hundreds more on October 7th.

This demonstration follows a similar incident that occurred on Thursday, where a small group of pro-Palestinian demonstrators briefly occupied the lobby of the New York Times office. The protesters, led by media workers identifying as the "Writers Bloc," entered the building and scattered mock editions of the newspaper titled "The New York War Crimes." Their action aimed to draw attention to what they perceived as biased coverage of the conflict in Gaza.

International solidarity with Palestine was also evident in London, where violent clashes between pro-Palestine demonstrators and far-right protesters resulted in the arrest of 82 individuals. The confrontations highlight the global attention and concern surrounding the Israel-Hamas war and its devastating impact on both Palestinians and Israelis.

As the demonstration in New York City came to a close, most of the protesters peacefully dispersed by 10pm. However, a heavy police presence remained in the area to ensure security. The continued activism, both on the streets and within media spaces, underscores the urgent call for an end to the violence and a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Hamas conflict.