Pro-Palestinian protests amass outside United Nations ahead of ceasefire vote
NEW YORK - Dozens of pro-Palestinian demonstrators amassed on the streets and sidewalks outside the United Nations in Midtown Manhattan Tuesday ahead of a vote on a nonbinding resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian cease-fire.
After the United States vetoed a resolution in the Security Council on Friday demanding a humanitarian cease-fire, Arab and Islamic nations called for an emergency session of the 193-member General Assembly on Tuesday afternoon to vote on a resolution making the same demand.
"It’s important to let them know we are watching and they too will be held accountable for their actions," protest organizer Within Our Lifetime posted to its Instagram account.
Several organizers chanted "Free Palestine" and waved Palestinian flags as they assembled on First Avenue.
Police ordered protesters to vacate the street or face arrest.
Unlike Security Council resolutions, General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding. But as U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said Monday, the assembly’s messages "are also very important" and reflect world opinion.
More protests
At 4 p.m., the grassroots organization MPower Change is hosting a protest at Citibank's headquarters near Tribeca.
The group says its concern is Citi’s financial support for Israel’s military.
The overall response comes after the United States vetoed a resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza on Friday. In a 13-1 decision, the United States stood alone with the United Kingdom abstaining from the vote completely.
The resolution was backed by almost all the other Security Council members and a dozen other nations. France and Japan were among those supporting the call for a ceasefire.
Many supporters considered the move by the U.S. to be devastating and warned of more civilian deaths and destruction as the war heads into its third month.
Protests calling for a Gaza ceasefire have increased and tensions are at an all-time high in response to the decision.
Pro-Palestinian supporters, including those in New York City, planned a "global strike for Gaza" on Monday.
Also on Monday, more than 40 pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested at the Hart Senate Office Building by U.S. Capitol Police officers. The group was calling for a ceasefire in Gaza while illegally demonstrating inside the Congressional space.
City University of New York (CUNY) alumni who support Palestine, protest outside of Chancellor office of CUNY at Midtown Manhattan in New York on Dec. 5, 2023. (Photo by Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Last weekend, the group led a rally where protesters flooded the Brooklyn Musuem Saturday, for a ‘Flood Brooklyn for Gaza’ rally.
Last month, pro-Palestinian demonstrators occupied the lobby of The New York Times, accusing the media of showing a bias toward Israel in its coverage of the Israel-Hamas war. The demonstration saw thousands march through Midtown Manhattan.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.