Clashes Erupt in NYC Amid Pro-Palestinian and Pro-Israeli Protests

New York City has witnessed escalating tensions and incidents stemming from clashing pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli protests. These demonstrations coincided with the visit of Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, sparking concerns over rising Islamophobia, anti-Arab bias, and antisemitism. Police are actively investigating the incidents, one arrest has been made.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced that the NYPD is investigating a series of violent incidents resulting from clashing pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli protests. These tensions came to a head during Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's visit to the city. Among the reported incidents was an assault on two women by a pro-Israeli group.

The protests unfolded as Ben-Gvir, a far-right minister and West Bank settler advocating for steps in the Gaza conflict, visited New York. Demonstrators converged on the Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters in Brooklyn, a prominent Jewish place of worship, where it was reported that anti-Israel protesters were confronted. An isolated female protester faced harassment and was injured, while another was threatened by counter-protesters.

The New York Times noted racist and sexist chants were directed towards a woman by hundreds. Civil rights advocates expressed alarm over heightened Islamophobia and antisemitism amid Israel's ongoing conflict with Hamas. The NYPD has made one arrest and is pursuing further investigations into the Thursday incidents, reaffirming that 'hate has no place' in the city.

(With inputs from agencies.)