Thousands of demonstrators calling for an end to Israel’s mass killings of Palestinians gathered in New York City’s Times Square on Friday morning, September 26, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took to the podium to address the United Nations (UN) General Assembly at around 9am.
About an hour later, the demonstrators marched toward the UN headquarters on the east side of Midtown Manhattan, where they were met with a heavy police presence and kettled across First Avenue. Protesters carried signs calling for Netanyahu to be arrested for perpetrating genocide, as characterized in a UN special report earlier this month, and drawing attention to the plight of children in Gaza. They chanted “Free Palestine!” and “Up with revolution, down with occupation,” and called for an international arms embargo on Israel. Among the most striking protest art and placards were hand-painted signs, a small baby doll splattered in red paint, and a mirror written with the words “This is what you did during genocide.”
William Chan, a New York City-based photographer and United States Army veteran, attended the demonstration in his military fatigues and stood alongside other veterans calling for the end of US participation in Israel’s assault on Gaza.
“I love my country,” Chan told Hyperallergic. “We are crumbling right now between imperialism and fascism … But we can change it by being better.”
Netanyahu’s highly criticized visit comes as the death toll in Gaza surpasses 65,000 people since October 2023.
“We are helping Israel with genocide, and that is a moral crime,” Chan said.
Inside the UN this morning, dozens of ambassadors reportedly walked out during Netanyahu’s speech. In recent months, several nations, including France, Canada, and Britain, have declared their recognition of an independent Palestinian state, which Netanyahu emphatically rejected during his General Assembly speech. Netanyahu’s address follows President Donald Trump’s remarks to the assembly earlier this week, in which he stated that nations open to immigration were “going to hell.”
This year’s session is the 80th convening of the UN General Assembly, which voted overwhelmingly last week to let the Palestinian officials participate in the conference after Trump’s government denied them visas to enter the US. (Only five countries voted against Palestinian participation in the diplomatic event, including Israel and the United States.)
Below is a selection of photographs from today’s protest captured by Hyperallergic.
A demonstrator takes questions from reporters while holding an image apparently from Gaza.
One attendee held up a mirror to police and protesters, inscribed with the statement, “This is what you did during genocide.”
United States military veterans stood in a protest contingent, including William Chan (left)
A baby wrapped in a keffiyeh
Thousands marched toward the United Nations complex in Manhattan.
Leading banners called for the end of US participation in arming Israel.
A demonstrator holds a baby doll.
The protest was an openly interfaith procession.
One participant wore a mask covered in red paint.
Protesters called for Netanyahu to be arrested.
Signs apparently reproduced images of children starving in Gaza due to aid restrictions.
Protesters chanted “Free Palestine!” and “Up with revolution, down with occupation.”
One poster linked Zionism and antisemitism.
Some protesters voiced support for mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, who has vowed to arrest Netanyahu if elected.
Artists Against Apartheid marched together.
Some of the signs present had appeared at other pro-Palestinian protests, but some were tailored to mention the UN General Assembly.
Protesters carried large Palestinian flags.
One protest sign compared Israel to Nazi Germany.
Veterans called for an end to US support for Israel’s arms.
One sign read “Satan-yahu.”
Signs drew attention to the plight of Palestinian children living under Israeli military occupation, including one sign depicting Hind Rajab, a five-year-old girl who was killed by Israeli forces in January 2024.
“They are all my kids,” read one protester’s sign.
Marchers came with homemade signs.
Demonstrators stopped in front of the United Nations.
A protester carries a sign reading “Gynocide.”
Protesters produced makeshift signs featuring the Palestinian flag.
Protesters called for an end to US involvement in Israeli aggression toward Palestinians.
