In the heart of Midtown, hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered at Herald Square, calling for an end to the bloodshed in Gaza.

“It’s horrible what’s going on. I can’t stand it. It breaks my heart. And I’m Jewish. I’m so embarrassed and ashamed,” protester Carole Gross said.

The Hamas-run Ministry of Health says more than 50,000 people have been killed during the 18-month-long war.

Friday’s demonstration was part of an international call for a ceasefire and an arms embargo.

“We have to show the people of Gaza that they’re not alone. They need to know that the people of the United States do not accept the use of U.S. government money, U.S. weapons to be killing children and entire families,” Layan Fuleihan, education director of The People’s Forum, said.

“Seeing all these people here makes me feel like I know Gaza is not alone and we’re not alone in fighting for Gaza,” Tahar Dahleh, organizer for the Palestinian Youth Movement, said.

Meanwhile, there has been a struggle to establish a lasting deal between Israel and Hamas.

Arab mediators are working on a proposal to end the war, which would include an up to seven-year truce and would mean the release of any remaining hostages.

Not everyone at the demonstration agrees. A smaller gathering of Pro-Israeli counter protesters gathered on the other side of the street.

“Whenever we find out they’re here, we come to make our voices heard,” counter protester Ariel Kohane said.

As protests continue, the division not only felt at the protest but also between family members.

“I have a sister in Israel. We don’t talk... because she supports what Israel is doing,” Gross said.