USA

103 Arrested During Protests Against Netanyahu’s UN Visit in New York

25 September 2026 22:09 PM

NEWS DESK

Protests were held in New York before and after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to the United Nations General Assembly, with demonstrators opposing his visit and calling for an end to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.

New York police arrested 103 people on Thursday over allegations including blocking roads and refusing police orders, according to police.

Hundreds of people gathered at several separate demonstrations near the UN headquarters. Many protesters called for an end to Israel’s military operation in Gaza, an end to US military assistance to Israel and accountability for Netanyahu.

Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), which organised one of the demonstrations, said more than 400 people took part in its protest near the UN. Demonstrators occupied part of First Avenue, disrupting traffic. Members of political organisations, activists and several prominent figures also participated.

Police began making arrests after ordering protesters to clear the roadway. The New York Police Department told Al Jazeera that 103 people were arrested on disorderly conduct allegations and were later released.

Organisers said nine of those arrested were elected officials or candidates for elected office.

Among those arrested was Daria-Lyza Avila Chevalier, a Democratic candidate in New York’s 13th Congressional District. Actress Susan Sarandon, Hannah Einbinder and New York City Council member Chi Ossé were also reportedly arrested, according to Al Jazeera.

A larger pro-Palestinian demonstration was held later, with thousands of people marching toward the UN headquarters. Organised by the Palestinian Youth Movement and The People’s Forum, the protesters carried Palestinian flags and banners bearing various slogans.

Protests also took place inside the UN during Netanyahu’s address. Several national delegations reportedly walked out of the General Assembly chamber while he was speaking, according to Al Jazeera.

In his address, Netanyahu rejected allegations that Israel was committing genocide in Gaza, calling the accusation “the biggest lie of the century.” He also said his government had taken steps to protect Palestinian civilians.

Netanyahu also criticised New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, accusing him of antisemitism and saying that many Jews in New York no longer felt safe following Mamdani’s election as mayor.

Mamdani rejected Netanyahu’s remarks as baseless. He also pointed to the arrest warrant issued against Netanyahu by the International Criminal Court. During his mayoral campaign, Mamdani had pledged to arrest Netanyahu if he visited New York, but later acknowledged that, as mayor, he did not have the authority to carry out such an arrest.

The protests surrounding Netanyahu’s UN visit focused largely on the war in Gaza, US military assistance to Israel and questions of international accountability. At the UN, meanwhile, Netanyahu used his address to defend his government’s military actions.

New York protest arrest