Pro-Palestinian protesters rally in NY, Chicago (PHOTOS, VIDEO)
Marches in support of the Palestinian cause have taken place across the US, with massive rallies against the Israeli use of force in the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli tensions witnessed in New York and Chicago.
READ MORE: Escalating Israeli-Palestinian violence LIVE UPDATES
Acording to different estimates, up to 2,000 protesters have taken to the streets of the Big Apple in support of the wider pro-Palestinian rallies that have taken place this weekend across the globe.
"When ppl are occupied, resistance is justified" 1500 now rallying in NYC to denounce Zionist murder #HandsOffAlAqsapic.twitter.com/MATV7uzpI8
— Abby Martin (@AbbyMartin) October 18, 2015"Free Palestine," the protesters chanted as they waved a massive Palestinian flag making their way down Manhattan to Times Square, where the crowd grew larger. Shutting down traffic, the activists took turns addressing the public.
Hosted by NYC Students for Justice in Palestine as part of NY4Palestine wider movement, the crowd condemned Israel's aggression in the recent violence recently on the rise across Israel, the West Bank and Gaza.
1500+ marching for Palestine now in Times Sq. #NY4PALESTINE#FreeFreePalestine#LongLiveIntifadapic.twitter.com/Wi73EuDpL5
— Millions March NYC (@MillionsMarch) October 18, 2015Even some Jewish activists joined the rally in support of the Palestinian cause and in protest to PM Benjamin Netanyahu's policies.
#FreeFreePalestine
Pro palestine protest in NYC pic.twitter.com/BPzHh8yJEM
— Leslie Scott (@LeslieAScott) October 18, 2015Tensions were on the rise at Times Square as Palestinian activists were met by a pro-Israeli rally that also assembled at the center of Manhattan.
The pro Israel supporters condemned the harassment of Palestinian youth of Israeli settlers and the increase of stabbings and attacks on the Jews in Israel.
No major accident were reported between the opposing camps.
The rally in the windy city of Chicago also attracted thousands who descended on the down town with Palestinian flags and placards denouncing Israeli aggression.
Ton of energy in Chicago, 1000+ have held the streets for an hour standing with #Palestine. #EndIsraeliOccupationpic.twitter.com/qQsnHyf2ic
— proleterrorist (@soit_goes) October 18, 2015Organized by the Coalition for Justice in Palestine, activists rallied downtown near Congress and Michigan Avenue as they too demanded an end to Israeli aggression and occupation.
"Long live #Palestine!" Chicago #endisraelioccupationpic.twitter.com/a9wHq4jjS8
— proleterrorist (@soit_goes) October 18, 2015The protesters also spoke out against their taxes being used by the US government to support the state of Israel. They have also urged the onlookers to boycott Israel and hold it responsible for what they say are numerous violations of human rights.
Randolph St in #Chicago shut down for #Palestine#EndIsraeliOccupation#EndIsraeliApartheidpic.twitter.com/tkpx5elgmH
— Rachael P (@plussone) October 18, 2015According to Gaza strip authorities, 43 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began last month, and over 1,700 have been injured.
