Protests erupted in various cities worldwide on Black Friday as demonstrators gathered to express solidarity with the Palestinians at the onset of the holiday shopping season.
In Boston, a significant crowd of pro-Palestinian protesters convened inside the Copley Place shopping center, advocating for an end to the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The Boston Police Department confirmed no arrests were made, and the mall remained undamaged.
New York City witnessed protesters filling the streets of Manhattan's Fifth Avenue and Columbus Circle, echoing chants of 'We are all Palestinians.' The New York Police Department reported no arrests on Friday, following a brief disruption by pro-Palestinian protesters at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
In Chicago, demonstrators obstructed traffic on Michigan Avenue, urging the Biden administration to cease aid to Israel.
Across the pond in London, videos on social media captured the Palestinian flag being raised outside Luton Town Hall.
In Jakarta, Indonesia, protesters outside the U.S. Embassy voiced support for Palestinians in Gaza, shouting slogans in solidarity.
The protests coincided with the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1977 to be observed annually on November 29. This date marks the U.N.'s 1947 vote on the partition plan of Palestine and the establishment of Israel.
At the U.N. in Geneva, Director-General Tatiana Valovaya emphasized the importance of international solidarity with the Palestinian people, advocating for their right to peace and dignity.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators have accused Israel of indiscriminate civilian killings in Gaza following an attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Israel refuted these claims, citing Hamas' use of civilian areas for military purposes.
The United Arab Emirates Mission to the U.N. affirmed President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's support for the Palestinian cause, calling for sustainable peace and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
