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Tensions Flare in Times Square as Pro-Hamas and Pro-Israel Protesters Clash
Edited by: Fern Sidman
In a heated and contentious display, anti-Israel protesters gathered in Times Square on Wednesday afternoon, voicing their support for the Hamas terror organization and showcasing symbols associated with the group that brutally massacred 1200 Israelis and others on October 7th, as was reported by The New York Post on Wednesday. The demonstration, which included approximately 300 participants, was marked by the waving of Palestinian flags and overt displays of support for Hamas and Hezbollah.
“Activists” hold up an effigy of Ismail Haniyeh in Times Square while screaming “Intifada” proving the Pro-Palestine movement is in fact a Pro-Hamas genocidal Jew hating movement.
Shocking. 🙄
— The Persian Jewess (@persianjewess) August 1, 2024
During the protest, demonstrators chanted “Free Palestine” while one individual held a flag representing Hamas. Another protester displayed a portrait of assassinated Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Notably, The Post reported that one demonstrator, wearing a mask and sunglasses, donned a hat with a yellow headband, a symbol associated with Hezbollah, a group designated as a terrorist organization by multiple countries, including the United States.
« Des organisations avec lesquelles on n’est pas forcément d’accord » selon LFI. À Times Square, on est plus clair que ça. #apologieduterrorisme
Vidéo via @elicalebon pic.twitter.com/EPhtN3yVIS— Marcel Sel (@marcelsel) August 1, 2024
The demonstration appeared to be a direct response to a speech given earlier in the day by Jonathan Conricus, a former spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces, in midtown Manhattan. According to the information provided in The Post report, Conricus’ speech drew hundreds of supporters of Israel, many of whom remained in the area into the night, waving Israeli flags as a counter-protest to the pro-Hamas, pro-terror rally.
NOW: Israel supporters surrounded by Pro-palestine Protesters PEPPER SPRAY the group multiple times after liquid was thrown at them outside of Times Square IDF support rally. Israel supporter who released the pepper spray was placed in custody. pic.twitter.com/2T4mecbKLD
— Oliya Scootercaster 🛴 (@ScooterCasterNY) August 1, 2024
As the evening progressed, tensions between the two groups escalated. At one point, some pro-Hamas protesters surrounded a pair of Israel supporters and allegedly threw liquid at them. As per the information in The Post report, this act prompted a woman wearing a pro-Israel shirt to spray the group with an unknown substance, as captured in footage from the scene. A man accompanying the woman told police she was “protecting herself” before officers separated her from the crowd, the report added. The video shows the tense moments as police intervened to prevent further escalation.
I almost get lynched tonight by a pro Hamas mob in Times Square tonight, where this Wednesday we have a giant pro @ID rally. Watch how the conversation starts so apparently friendly, until the mob surrounds me and then watch the next video about how this thug wantsJews dead. pic.twitter.com/Q5a89MWcTs
— Rabbi Shmuley (@RabbiShmuley) August 1, 2024
The presence of symbols associated with Hamas and Hezbollah during the protest added a layer of controversy and concern. Hamas, the Iranian backed Islamist terror group governing the Gaza Strip, has been involved in numerous conflicts with Israel. Hezbollah, based in Lebanon, is similarly designated as a terrorist group and has a history of conflict with Israel.
The protest, marked by provocative symbols and heated exchanges called attention to the deep and ongoing divisions over the Israel-Hamas conflict.
#NOW Pro-Palestine demonstrators burn an Israeli flag across the street from the Save Israel rally happening now in Times Square. pic.twitter.com/XeS9yTvMJb
— Oliya Scootercaster 🛴 (@ScooterCasterNY) August 1, 2024
The protest also came in the wake of a significant and deadly event. Less than 24 hours prior, Ismail Haniyeh was killed in an airstrike at his residence in Tehran. The Post reported that while no entity has officially claimed responsibility for the strike, both Iran and Hamas have accused Israel of orchestrating the attack. The Post also reported that amid the chaos, an Israel supporter expressed his sorrow over the violent turn of events. “He is a war monger,” the supporter said of Haniyeh, reflecting the deep animosity felt by many on the Israeli side.
NOW: Lights and sound went out at the Pro-Israel event honoring IDF in Times Square, as pro-palestine protesters continue to chant and set off smoke bombs across the street.
Israel supporters started singing without microphone with host eventually using bullhorn. Sound was… pic.twitter.com/uQp47YhsTr
— Oliya Scootercaster 🛴 (@ScooterCasterNY) August 1, 2024
The Big Apple has witnessed a surge in anti-Israel protests over recent months, particularly since Hamas massacred 1,200 people in Israel, prompting a wide-scale military response from the Jewish state in Gaza.
New York City police were present to manage the situation, ultimately taking six protesters into custody, The Post reported indicated. The arrests highlighted the challenge of maintaining order during such highly charged demonstrations.
NOW: Smoke Bombs cover crowds and tourists as Pro-palestine protesters light flares and NYPD push through the crowd outside of Pro-Israel event in Times Square NYC. pic.twitter.com/2MELMz7rlH
— Oliya Scootercaster 🛴 (@ScooterCasterNY) July 31, 2024
