Hundreds of pro-Palestine supporters took to the streets on Christmas. The group has been demonstrating consistently since the Israel-Hamas war began, and they say today is no different.

“There’s no celebration when Gaza is under attack,” Adam Mnawer, a pro-Palestine protester, said. “We’re demanding a ceasefire, right now to end the war on Gaza, and end the siege on Gaza. We are demanding to stop the killing, to stop the U.S. support to Israel. The U.S. has supported Israel with thousands of bombs.”

What You Need To Know

  • The protesters started at News Corp and made their way to the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, causing disruptions along the way, including a lockdown of the plaza

  • Police reported several arrests as the night went on
  • Some onlookers – including those of the Jewish faith – said they were disappointed to see protesters attempting to disrupt Christmas

  • The United Nations Secretary General is calling for a humanitarian ceasefire to help the people of Gaza

The protesters started at News Corp and made their way to the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center, causing disruptions along the way, including a lockdown of the plaza. The NYPD increased their police presence along their demonstration route. NY1 witnessed some confrontations between pro-Israel and pro-Palestine supporters.

Later, police reported several arrests as the night went on, getting the protest to be effectively shut down. But some of the protesters said earlier they feel somber during what typically is a joyous time for Christians and those of other faith backgrounds.

“Christmas should be celebrated when we know that the world is OK,” said Salma Helwa, 17, a pro-Palestine protester. “I need people to know that Palestine must be free so that the world can be happy.”

Some onlookers, including those of the Jewish faith, said they are disappointed to see protesters attempting to disrupt Christmas as usual.

“It’s disrespectful,” Matti Zak, a pro-Israel supporter, said. “What is happening in the Middle East, we stand for peace and unity. And if you look at the Jewish protests that happened in Washington, it was calm, everyone was as one, all singing nicely together…We weren’t disrupting anything, we weren’t making a mess, being loud.”

As the war continues more than two months on, the protesters in Manhattan said they want to make sure that the plight of the Palestinian people is not forgotten.

“That’s the only way I guess, they can hear us, people have to hear our voices,” Sam Said, a pro-Palestine protester, said.

There are still more than 100 Israeli hostages being held by Hamas, according to Israeli officials.

The United Nations Secretary General is calling for a humanitarian ceasefire to help the people of Gaza.