Fighting broke out on the streets of Manhattan as hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters clashed with police last night.
Demonstrators chanted “from the river to the sea”, a slogan seen by many as antisemetic, as they swarmed the streets calling for a ceasefire to the war.
The protesters tried to interrupt the annual Rockefeller Centre Christmas tree lighting, with thousands of onlookers gathered to witness the yearly spectacle.
Demonstrators had announced plans to “flood the tree lighting for Gaza” on Monday ahead of tree lighting, which kicked off at 8pm.
Some protesters were able to break through the barricades and fought with police on Sixth Avenue
Reuters
The New York Police Department had anticipated the demonstration even ahead of the announcement, so ramped up security in response, stationing officers all around the area.
Officers urged attendees to act with “elevated vigilance” during the 91st annual tree lighting ceremony.
However, after lots of pushing, some protesters were able to break through the barricades and fought with police on Sixth Avenue.
One demonstrator was seen climbing on top of a pillar, and another was seen carrying a massive sign showing a swastika, comparing the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) to German Nazis.
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The annual tradition began in the 1930s
Reuters
WATCH HERE: Pro-Palestinian protesters marched through the streets
Several people were taken into custody, including one minor.
“This is the ebb and flow of protests. We try to keep it calm, we let them move, we let them exercise their right. Sometimes things get a little hectic, but we're gonna do our best out here to keep everybody safe,” NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey said.
More than 1,000 attended the protest, with organisers claiming they believed it would be a peaceful evening.
“All we're asking for is an end to the ongoing bombing of Gaza, the end to the siege and blockade that continues to place a chokehold on the Palestinian people,” said Nardeen Kiswani, from Within Our Lifetime, a pro-Palestinian organisation.
More than 1,000 people attended the protest
Reuters
As soon as the lights were switched on, a group of demonstrators unfurled “free Palestine” and “end apartheid” signs whilst standing at the front of the crowd.
The group accused the President of “genocide” during the annual event, which he attended with his family.
A man then spoke into the microphone to remind them that “this is a community tree lighting”, encouraging them to stop.
