Manhattan, New York,
Thousands of peaceful demonstrators filled the streets of Manhattan against Israeli aggression on AL Aqsa mosque and Gaza strikes.
The demonstrations, titled “rally to save Palestine,” commenced near the Israeli Consulate in New York, where internal security ordered early to ensure their safety, a spokesman for the mission said.
After meeting outside the consulate, demonstrators marched toward Times Square, shutting down 42nd Street as they chanted slogans “Defend Jerusalem,” “Gaza under attack,” “No more money for Israeli crimes,” “Free Palestine” and “End the occupation now.”
According to the Israeli Forces, more than 1,000 rockets and mortar shells have been fired from the Gaza Strip toward Israel since the outbreak of fighting on Monday evening. Five civilians were killed in the attacks. In response, the Israeli Forces launched strikes on 500 targets in the Gaza Strip, aimed at Hamas personnel, weaponry and infrastructure, the Israeli army said.
The health ministry said dozens of Gazans were killed and is continuously risen up, including 10 minors, and more than 200 wounded in the ongoing escalation. Fifteen Gazans sustained serious injuries, according to ministry spokesperson Ashraf al-Qidra. Israel claims more than half were Hamas fighters.
Palestinian groups have tied the attacks to ongoing unrest in Jerusalem connected to both prayer on the Temple Mount during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the pending eviction of a number of Palestinian families from their homes in East Jerusalem’s Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood.
