More than 100 anti-war demonstrators were arrested in New York City on Tuesday during a peaceful sit-in urging the U.S. government to halt arms sales to Israel. The protest, organized by a coalition of activist groups, took place outside a federal building in Manhattan, where participants staged a sit-in and chanted slogans such as ‘Not in our name’ and ‘Stop arming violence.’
The demonstration coincided with escalating tensions in Israel-Gaza, which has seen renewed violence in recent weeks. Organizers cited concerns over civilian casualties in Gaza and the broader humanitarian crisis as their motivation. ‘We cannot continue to fund destruction,’ read a statement from one of the groups involved.
New York police confirmed the arrests, stating that protesters were removed after refusing to disperse. ‘We respect the right to peaceful protest, but we must ensure public safety and enforce the law,’ said a police spokesperson. Similar protests have taken place in other U.S. cities, including Washington, D.C., and Chicago, reflecting growing domestic dissent over U.S. foreign policy.
Analysts note that the protests highlight increasing polarization around U.S. involvement in the Israel-Gaza conflict. ‘This is part of a broader shift in public opinion, especially among younger Americans,’ said a political analyst. However, others argue that U.S. support for Israel remains a cornerstone of foreign policy, unlikely to change significantly in the near term.