Protests held in New York as Netanyahu addressed the UN
Demonstrations against Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel took place around UN headquarters while Netanyahu addressed the General Assembly. They included a large pro-Palestinian march, smaller gatherings near the UN, and a separate pro-Netanyahu group; some protesters were detained.
Key points
- The demonstrations were not a single gathering: reports describe different groups, locations, and protest activities around Manhattan and the UN.
Evidence · 5 source statements
There were several hundred anti-Netanyahu demonstrators and around two dozen pro-Netanyahu protesters.
Anti-Zionist protesters in New York put a noose on an effigy of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, compared him to Satan and chanted for the destruction of Israel as Netanyahu…
Later, thousands gathered at a protest led by the Palestinian Youth Movement.
The demonstrators rallied at Bryant Park in midtown Manhattan, then marched across town to Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza, near the UN.
- Protesters voiced demands against arming Israel and Israel's actions in Gaza, while some anti-Zionist protesters used threatening language and displayed an effigy.
Evidence · 6 source statements
Stop arming Israel, let Gaza live
Anti-Zionist protesters in New York put a noose on an effigy of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, compared him to Satan and chanted for the destruction of Israel as Netanyahu…
“Netanyahu in a bunker, we will put you six feet under,”
“Kill him.”
Who's involved
Palestine supporters at the march
They organized and took part in a large demonstration against Netanyahu's visit and Israel's actions in Gaza.
They called for a free Palestine and said Netanyahu, whom they called a war criminal, was not wanted in New York.
What they said · 2 source statements
Anti-Zionist protesters
They held a separate demonstration near UN headquarters during Netanyahu's address.
They called for Palestine to be free from the river to the sea; some also chanted threats against Netanyahu.
What they said · 3 source statements
“Netanyahu in a bunker, we will put you six feet under,”
“Kill him.”
“From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,”
Demonstrators outside the UN
They protested against Israel and its conduct in Gaza.
They called for an end to arming Israel, for Gaza to be allowed to live, and for an end to genocide.
What they said · 3 source statements
Beth Miller
She spoke for Jewish Voice for Peace Action about the protest climate in New York.
She said the political environment made clear that Netanyahu was not welcome in New York.
What they said · 1 source statement
Netanyahu is coming to New York amid a political environment that has made it crystal clear that he is not welcome here,
Zohran Mamdani
He addressed demonstrators' right to protest in New York City.
He said he would protect the right to protest in the city.
What they said · 1 source statement
right to [protest] in this city
Palestinian representatives
They called for diplomatic missions to participate in a walkout connected to Netanyahu's address.
They wanted the walkout to signal opposition to complicity in Israel's actions.
What they said · 1 source statement
send a clear message to Netanyahu and his government that no one is willing to aid, abet, or be complicit in its genocide and war crimes and illegal occupation,
New York City police
Police were involved in detentions and anticipated demonstrations during General Assembly week.
Police expected the pace of protests to increase during the week.
What they said · 2 source statements
Several hundred protesters gathered near the United Nations, with dozens blocking traffic and chanting, "Stop arming Israel, let Gaza live" and "Stop arming Israel, let Iran…
What was reported
- Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators rallied at Bryant Park and marched to Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza near the UN to protest Israel's attacks on Gaza and Netanyahu's presence in New York.
Reported independently by 2: Hürriyet, The Times of Israel
Evidence · 3 source statements
Later, thousands gathered at a protest led by the Palestinian Youth Movement.
The demonstrators rallied at Bryant Park in midtown Manhattan, then marched across town to Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza, near the UN.
- A separate plaza gathering included several hundred anti-Netanyahu demonstrators and around two dozen pro-Netanyahu protesters.
One source: The Times of Israel
Evidence · 1 source statement
There were several hundred anti-Netanyahu demonstrators and around two dozen pro-Netanyahu protesters.
- Several hundred protesters gathered near the UN, and dozens blocked traffic and chanted. Police detained protesters; other reports also described detentions, including of actor Susan Sarandon.
Reported independently by 3: CBC News, NDTV, Yonhap News Agency
Evidence · 4 source statements
Several hundred anti-Israel protesters gathered near the United Nations before Netanyahu's speech, with dozens blocking traffic and chanting: "Stop arming Israel, let Gaza live"…
Several hundred protesters gathered near the United Nations, with dozens blocking traffic and chanting, "Stop arming Israel, let Gaza live" and "Stop arming Israel, let Iran…
Several people, including actor Susan Sarandon, were detained, according to reports.
- Several dozen anti-Zionist protesters displayed an effigy of Netanyahu with a noose and chanted slogans, including threats against him.
One source: The Times of Israel
Evidence · 3 source statements
Anti-Zionist protesters in New York put a noose on an effigy of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, compared him to Satan and chanted for the destruction of Israel as Netanyahu…
“Netanyahu in a bunker, we will put you six feet under,”
“Kill him.”
- Protesters called for an end to arming Israel, for Gaza to be allowed to live, and for an end to what they called genocide.
Reported independently by 2: CBC News, Hürriyet
Evidence · 3 source statements
Stop arming Israel, let Gaza live
- One report said the large march ended peacefully without incident; another said neither of the protests it covered involved violence.
Reported independently by 2: Hürriyet, The Times of Israel
Evidence · 2 source statements
There was no violence at either protest.
Still unclear
- No single total for protesters across all the demonstrations is given.
- No single total for people detained across all the demonstrations is given.
Not heard from
- Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli government — Netanyahu was the target of the demonstrations and was addressing the UN, but their statements about the protests are not included in the cited claims.
- The United Nations — The demonstrations took place around UN headquarters and during the General Assembly, but no UN statement about them appears in the cited claims.