At least 30 actors, politicians arrested in anti-Netanyahu protest outside UN

Anti-Netanyahu protest outside UN: 30+ arrested, including actors, politiciansUN General Assembly

Police arrested at least 30 people, including actors and politicians, during a protest outside the United Nations headquarters on Thursday against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, hours before he addressed the UN General Assembly.Oscar-winning actor Susan Sarandon, Emmy winner Hannah Einbinder, Democratic congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier and New York City Council member Chi Osse were among those arrested, according to Reuters.The protest was organised by Jewish Voice for Peace, a Jewish activist group that supports Palestinians. Around 200 people gathered outside the UN headquarters wearing identical white T-shirts carrying slogans including “Fund people not bombs,” “No war” and “Free Palestine.”The demonstration came as Netanyahu prepared to address the General Assembly amid international criticism of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and its broader regional military operations.The protesters blocked traffic outside the UN headquarters, prompting police to order them to leave through loudspeakers.Some demonstrators moved to the sidewalks, but a core group remained seated on the pavement and continued chanting slogans against Netanyahu.

Police officers, who arrived on bicycles, surrounded the protesters before beginning arrests.Officers pulled protesters from the group one by one, tied their hands behind their backs with zip ties and escorted them to police buses.The activists continued chanting “Netanyahu go to hell” outside the buses as arrests continued.Protester says Gaza destruction is being carried out in US’ nameManijeh Moradian, a 50-year-old university professor of Iranian and Jewish heritage who participated in the demonstration, said protesters had a responsibility to speak out against Israel’s actions in Gaza.“What’s being done to Gaza, the obliteration of an entire society, in our name, with our tax dollars, this is our responsibility to speak out against, and Netanyahu has no right to use the platform of the United Nations to justify these atrocities,” Moradian said.Inside the General Assembly, Netanyahu defended Israel’s military actions and sought to counter criticism of the country as dozens of delegates walked out of the hall as he began his address.The Israeli prime minister defended Israel’s actions in Gaza and against Iran and other regional adversaries, while also praising US President Donald Trump for his support.Netanyahu's speech came as Israel faced growing international criticism over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and its military campaign across the region.The protest outside the UN and the walkout inside the General Assembly underscored the divisions surrounding Netanyahu’s appearance at the world body.