In the wake of Israel’s airstrikes on Gaza, protests broke out in Manhattan’s Times Square on Tuesday evening.
The attacks, which shattered the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, resulted in the deaths of more than 400 Palestinians, including 130 children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry and UNICEF.
The airstrikes, which Israel has dubbed “the gates of hell,” began on Monday night and targeted 80 locations in Gaza, marking one of the deadliest days in the ongoing conflict.
The sudden escalation of violence led to widespread dismay and frustration among protesters in New York City many of whom were angered by the return of hostilities.
Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered to express their outrage over the airstrikes, condemning Israel for its role in breaking the ceasefire and exacerbating the suffering in Gaza. “It continues to be unimaginably cruel and inhuman, and everyone needs to continue to be outraged at every single death,” said Lillian from the Party for Socialism and Liberation.
Amid the protests, a smaller counter-rally took place, with pro-Israel demonstrators holding photos of Israeli hostages.
These hostages remain a point of contention, as Israel’s PM Netanyahu blames Hamas for the collapse of the ceasefire, pointing to its refusal to release the remaining hostages, including American-Israeli Edan Alexander.
The White House has expressed its support for Netanyahu, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt affirming that President Trump has made it clear that those who seek to terrorize Israel and the US will face consequences. “All hell will break loose,” she said, signaling the potential for further escalation.
With the conflict intensifying, the crucial question is whether Hamas will retaliate or engage in talks.
