Voices for Gaza silenced in the heart of America

The protest, organized by an anti-occupation group called IfNotNow, began at Columbus Circle in New York City. Hundreds participated in the demonstration to demand an end to the war in Gaza and call on the U.S. government to pressure the Israeli regime to allow more humanitarian aid into the region.

Moriah Kaplan, interim executive director of the organizing group, addressed the crowd, saying: "Israel’s blockade of Gaza is a policy of ethnic cleansing through mass starvation. It is an intolerable, indescribable, and incomprehensible offense against our shared humanity — and those committing it must be held accountable."

Protesters held placards reading: "Stop ethnic cleansing" and "End the starvation of Gaza."

Shortly after 8:00 PM local time, demonstrators began marching toward Trump Hotel. Once there, they gathered outside and sat down in the street.

A few minutes later, NYPD officers began arresting the protesters, citing obstruction of the street as the reason.

These arrests come amid daily reports of dozens of civilians in Gaza being killed due to crimes committed by the Israeli regime with U.S. support.

Over the past several months, the U.S. government has consistently cracked down on protests condemning Israeli atrocities, detaining hundreds of demonstrators across the country.