Hundreds of demonstrators gathered on Saturday in front of the New York Public Library at Bryant Park, voicing a strong demand for an immediate halt to arms supplies to Israel, the imposition of international sanctions, and an end to the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people.

The protesters, waving Palestinian flags and holding banners reading “Stop Israeli Massacres” and “Sanction Israel Now”, marched through the streets of Manhattan, chanting slogans urging the world to take decisive action for Gaza.

Organizers emphasized that the rally reflected a growing global outcry against Israel’s brutal occupation and systematic violations of human rights. The demonstration also highlighted international frustration at the lack of effective measures to hold Israel accountable, despite the overwhelming evidence of civilian casualties, destruction of infrastructure, and forced displacement in Gaza.

“The world cannot remain silent while Palestinians are subjected to massacres, starvation, and displacement,” said one organizer. “It is time for governments to impose sanctions, halt arms sales, and act decisively to protect innocent lives in Gaza.”

The rally comes two years after the start of Israel’s devastating war on Gaza, which has left more than 67,000 Palestinians dead, hundreds of thousands injured, and over 1.9 million displaced, according to Palestinian health authorities and UN agencies. Despite international condemnation, humanitarian access remains restricted, and the siege of Gaza continues, worsening the crisis for civilians.

Participants stressed that grassroots movements and public demonstrations are crucial for pressuring governments and international organizations to enforce an arms embargo and impose sanctions on Israel.

The New York demonstration is part of a global wave of solidarity actions, echoing similar rallies in Europe, the Middle East, and other parts of the United States, where citizens are calling for an end to Israel’s occupation and the protection of Palestinian lives. (ILKHA)