Pro-Palestinian protesters reportedly tore down American flags in New York City amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the terrorist organization Hamas.
Viral videos online show the demonstrations smashing a door at the city’s Grand Central Station and briefly forcing the closure of the transportation hub as they marched through the streets of Manhattan.
Police also said that there was a 17-year-old male at a pro-Palestine demonstration in the liberal city of New York who was cited after tearing down both the U.S. and U.N. flags, leaving only the Palestinian flags.
Crowds apparently gathered and cheered the teenager as he tore down each flag. According to authorities, the individual was given a citation for “creating a hazardous condition” with a “substantial risk of serious physical injury.”
The incident occurred during the “Flood Manhattan for Gaza” protest, which was organized by the pro-Palestine group Within Our Lifetime. Demonstrations were staged across the New York borough, including Times Square, a McDonald’s restaurant, and the New York Times building.
“We don’t want a Jewish state. We want ‘48!” the anti-Israel protesters chanted, referring to Palestine before the establishment of the state of Israel.
This comes after the Iran-backed Hamas attacked Israel and invaded towns along the Gaza border earlier last month, killing at least 700 people. The death toll has so far risen to 1,200, according to IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus.
The attack prompted Israel to declare war against the terrorist group with a ruthless aerial campaign that has flattened homes, schools, medical institutions, and government buildings in the Gaza Strip. Yet, protesters insist on a ceasefire even though Israel has no choice but to defend itself.
President Joe Biden has since pledged his support for Israel, with his administration already moving military units to the country as well as supplying them with munitions and interceptors to ensure the Iron Dome defense system has enough supplies.
“We stand with Israel. We stand with Israel. And we will make sure Israel has what it needs to take care of its citizens, defend itself, and respond to this attack,” he said in remarks days following the attack. “There is no justification for terrorism. There is no excuse.”
