Thousands of protesters took to the streets of New York City on Friday to denounce Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s war in Gaza as he arrived to address the U.N. General Assembly.

Demonstrators, waving Palestinian flags and wearing traditional keffiyeh scarves, carried banners reading “Free Palestine”, “Stop starving Gaza” and “Arms embargo now”, according to video footage.

They initially gathered in Times Square, across from the United Nations building, before marching to the U.N., chanting slogans including “Netanyahu, you can’t hide, we charge you with genocide.”

Netanyahu, in his U.N. address, criticised Western countries for recognising Palestinian statehood. Dozens of delegates reportedly walked out of the assembly hall as he took the stage.

The protests were fueled by images of starving Palestinians and reports of Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, which has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced the entire population of the densely populated enclave.

Multiple human rights experts have described the attacks as amounting to genocide, allegations Israel rejects, maintaining that its actions are acts of self-defense following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led assault on Israel. That attack killed about 1,200 people and left more than 250 hostages in Gaza.

President Donald Trump, a staunch ally of Netanyahu, has taken a hard line against pro-Palestinian demonstrations in the United States, reportedly arresting protesters and attempting deportations.

The controversy surrounding Israel’s conduct in Gaza has also become a topic in New York City’s mayoral race. Pro-Palestinian candidate Zohran Mamdani criticised Netanyahu’s visit, while current Mayor Eric Adams said he was “proud to meet” the Israeli leader.

The demonstrations in New York reflect growing international concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with activists demanding accountability for civilian casualties and urgent measures to protect vulnerable populations.