Title: Protesters Demand Ceasefire Between Israel and Hamas, Shut Down Grand Central Terminal
Date: October 27, 2023
Location: New York City, USA
Hundreds of protesters demanding a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas forced the closure of Grand Central Terminal, one of New York City’s major transit hubs, on Friday. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced the closure and advised commuters to use alternate stations and plan for extra travel time.
“Mourn the dead, and fight like hell for the living,” read one banner raised inside the building. Images shared on social media showed a large crowd of protesters pouring out of the train station onto 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan. Law enforcement detained a significant number of individuals involved in the protest.
The demonstration was organized by the group Jewish Voice for Peace, which posted a video on Instagram showing police escorting a long line of protesters wearing shirts reading “Cease Fire Now” and “Not In Our Name” with their arms secured behind their backs.
In an accompanying post, the group exclaimed, “HUNDREDS OF JEWS AND ALLIES ARE GETTING ARRESTED IN WHAT IS LIKELY THE BIGGEST MASS CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE NYC HAS SEEN IN TWO DECADES.”
Meanwhile, Israel’s military intensified its air and ground attacks on the Palestinian enclave of Gaza. Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that rules Gaza, stated that its militants were prepared to confront Israeli attacks with “full force.”
The closure of Grand Central Terminal reflects growing global concern over the escalating violence between Israel and Hamas. The issue has fueled widespread protests and calls for an immediate ceasefire to protect civilian lives in Gaza and Israel.
Reporting by Daniel Trotta; Editing by Cynthia Osterman and William Mallard