New York City sees pro-Palestine, pro-Israel rallies amid escalating tensions

Demonstrators gathered Sunday in New York City to express their support for Palestine as fighting between Israeli forces and the Palestinian group Hamas continued for a second day.

Pro-Palestinian supporters held a rally in Times Square and marched through Midtown Manhattan while pro-Israeli supporters congregated near the Israeli consulate in Manhattan.

Demonstrators conveyed messages of solidarity for Palestine, waving flags and displaying banners.

On the opposite side of the protest area, a group of pro-Israel demonstrators gathered, holding Israeli flags. Verbal exchanges and taunts occurred sporadically between the two groups.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators chanted slogans and marched towards the Israeli Consulate General in New York. The demonstration, which was subject to extensive security measures by the police, ended peacefully.

Governor Kathy Hochul condemned the pro-Palestine rally, saying it was "abhorrent and morally repugnant." Meanwhile, New York City Mayor Eric Adams labeled it as "disgusting."

"At a time when innocent people are being slaughtered and children kidnapped in Israel, it is disgusting that this group of extremists would show support for terrorism. I reject this. New York City rejects this," said Adams on X. "Do not use our streets to spread your hate."

Hamas sent dozens of fighters into Israeli towns near the Gaza Strip on Saturday amid heavy rocket fire. The group says the attack was in response to Israeli violations in the flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque complex in occupied East Jerusalem and increased settler violence.

At least 700 Israelis have been killed and over 2,300 others wounded in the attack, according to the Israeli Health Ministry.

Israel retaliated, with the Israeli army initiating Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas with a series of airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, killing more than 430 Palestinians and wounding at least 2,300 others.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to use all of Israel's strength to destroy Hamas' capabilities and "take revenge for this black day."