Pro-Palestinian protesters target Wall St., denouncing US veto of UN ceasefire resolution

Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters took to the streets of Lower Manhattan on Friday afternoon for what was billed as a “Shut Down Wall Street” event, just as the United States vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for a permanent ceasefire. fire in the war between Israel and Hamas.

Protesters gathered in front of a number of prominent city landmarks in Lower Manhattan, including City Hall and Wall Street, chanting “Free Palestine,” calling for an end to United States financial support for Israel and denouncing the US veto stated.

“I find it absolutely disgusting that the US has vetoed a ceasefire,” said Kyle Turner, 29, who was protesting on Wall Street. “This is a humanitarian crisis, and the fact that this is still a third-rail problem for so many people is astonishing and heartbreaking.”

The resolution, introduced by the United Arab Emirates, received broad support from the UN Secretary General and most members of the Security Council amid concerns about the growing humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip, where health authorities say more than 15,000 people are sheltered. killed in two months of war with Israel. The war was sparked by Hamas-led attacks on Israel that killed about 1,200 people, according to Israeli authorities.

However, the United States continued with its previous statements that it would veto any resolution calling for a permanent ceasefire, supporting Israel’s claim that ending the war would be before it achieved its goal of eliminating Hamas would only ensure more war in the future.

The protest took place on the second night of Hanukkah, a usually festive season complicated for many Jewish people in New York City by the war in Gaza.

“I think all Jews carry the burden of our history – our history of oppression, our history of genocide – on our shoulders,” said Aiyana Knauer, 34, who identified herself as an anti-Zionist Jew. “It’s something we’ve been taught from birth, but with that history comes the responsibility to speak out against the injustice we see everywhere.”

Friday’s demonstration was organized by the activist organizations People’s Forum and Al Awda. One protester, Nick MacDonald, 79, said he specifically objected to President Biden’s support for Israel.

“I’m ashamed to be an American these days,” he said. “I protested the Vietnam War 50 years ago, and here we are again.”