The Manhattan Bridge shut down for about two hours on Sunday when it was overcome with protesters calling for a cease-fire in the Israel-Gaza war.
About 500 people were part of the protest Sunday afternoon, and three people were taken into custody for obstructing pedestrian traffic, according to a New York City Public Information Officer. The protest looked to have been organized by the group Jewish Voice for Peace.
HOUSE INCUMBENTS STEPPING DOWN TO RUN FOR STATE OR HIGHER OFFICE IN 2024
Social media posts appeared to show some of the protesters wearing shirts that said, “cease fire now,” and a large group gathered around a sign that said, “The whole world is watching.” The protesters gathered around the sign at the foot of the Manhattan Bridge.
Jewish Voice for Peace describes itself as Jewish leftists.
“Like generations of Jewish leftists before us, we fight for the liberation of all people. We believe that through organizing, we can and will dismantle the institutions and structures that sustain injustice and grow something new, joyful, beautiful, and life-sustaining in their place,” a passage on the group’s website’s about page read.
The war in Israel and Gaza has been ongoing since Oct. 7, when the United States-designated terror group Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel. The region was mid-temporary ceasefire Sunday after a deal was made to exchange hostages during a temporary pause in firing.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
The initial attack and ensuing war have resulted in thousands of deaths on both sides. Over 1,200 people have been killed in Israel, and the Associated Press reported more than 13,000 Palestinians have been killed in the retaliation efforts to destroy Hamas. The AP death toll for Gaza referenced numbers put out by the Health Ministry of the Hamas-run Gaza government.
U.S. officials have cast doubt on the accuracy of numbers being reported by organizations overseen by Hamas.
