Protesters Shut Down New York’s Grand Central Station, Demanding Gaza Ceasefire – Reuters

Protestors Force Closure of Grand Central Terminal Over Israel-Hamas Conflict

Hundreds of demonstrators advocating for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas prompted the closure of Grand Central Terminal, one of New York City’s key transit centers, on Friday, as reported by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).

The MTA announced, "Grand Central Terminal is closed until further notice due to a protest," advising commuters to seek alternative stations and anticipate additional travel time.

One banner displayed during the protest read, "Mourn the dead, and fight like hell for the living."

Social media footage captured demonstrators spilling out of the train station and onto 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan, along with a significant crowd being apprehended by law enforcement.

The protest was organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, which shared a video showing police escorting a line of protesters through the station. Many of the demonstrators wore shirts emblazoned with messages like "Cease Fire Now" and "Not In Our Name" while their arms were secured behind their backs.

In their social media post, the group stated, "HUNDREDS OF JEWS AND ALLIES ARE GETTING ARRESTED IN WHAT IS LIKELY THE BIGGEST MASS CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE NYC HAS SEEN IN TWO DECADES."

As tensions escalated, Israel’s military intensified its air and ground assaults on Gaza. In response, Hamas declared that its militants were prepared to meet Israeli attacks with "full force."