Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators blocked traffic near Times Square on Friday, calling on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end what they described as “genocide” in Gaza. The protests coincided with Netanyahu’s address to the United Nations General Assembly.
Israel’s ongoing offensive follows Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack in Israel, which killed about 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures. In response, Israel launched a large-scale military campaign that Gaza health officials say has killed more than 65,000 people and devastated much of the territory.
Local authorities reported that Israeli airstrikes killed at least 19 people across Gaza on Thursday, including 11 members of two families in the central town of Zawayda. Israel’s military said it struck 170 targets in the past 24 hours, describing them as “terror infrastructure.” Tanks have also pushed deep into Gaza City, which Netanyahu has called Hamas’ last stronghold.
Netanyahu declared there would never be a Palestinian state, despite recent recognition by Britain, France, Canada and others. The International Criminal Court has issued a warrant for him over alleged war crimes, which Israel rejects.
The United States remains Israel’s key ally, with President Donald Trump opposing international moves toward Palestinian statehood.
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