Anti-Israel Protests in NYC Lead to Arrests, Spark Controversy Over Gaza Aid
NYPD arrested Anti-Israel protesters on Friday after they stormed the lobby of senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand’s New York City offices. The unscheduled demonstration took place at 780 Third Avenue, where the senators’ NYC offices are located, resulting in several arrests. The protesters, clad in black and yellow, displayed signs with various slogans, including demands for senators to ‘stop starving Gaza’ and chants of ‘Free, free Palestine, stop the genocide.’ Among the activists was actor Sara Ramirez, who starred in ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘And Just Like That.’
It is unclear exactly how many people were arrested, as the NYPD was not disclosing that information at the time of this writing. Earlier this week, Schumer released a statement decrying the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and calling for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. He emphasized that the dire conditions in Gaza, including starvation and suffering, are unacceptable and must not be ignored. Schumer also urged collaboration between the Trump administration and the Israeli government to enhance humanitarian aid delivery.
President Trump has expressed concern about the starvation in Gaza, blaming Hamas for the aid crisis. He told Axios that he is working on a plan to ensure that people in Gaza are fed, though he has not yet received a briefing from his special envoy, Steve Witkoff. On Friday, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and Witkoff visited aid distribution sites run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which is backed by the U.S. and Israel. Huckabee praised GHF’s efforts, noting that over 100 million meals have been served in two months.
Huckabee also alleged that Hamas is responsible for stealing aid and selling it on the black market. He cited evidence of a 4-kilogram bag of sugar being sold for as much as $200 on the black market. Witkoff stated that the visit aimed to provide Trump with a clear understanding of the humanitarian situation and to assist in crafting a plan for delivering food and medical aid to Gaza. The situation continues to spark debate and controversy over the responsibilities of Hamas and the international community in addressing the crisis.