Police: 139 people taken into custody at New York City demonstration calling for ceasefire in Gaza
NEW YORK -- Dozens of people were taken into custody Friday after police say they blocked traffic in Midtown during a rally and march calling for more aid for Palestinians in Gaza.
Through the streets of Manhattan, from Bryant Park to Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand's office, demonstrators called on Congress to stop military aid to Israel.
Watch Alecia Reid's report
"Senators are responsible for funding, and so we have to defund Israel and the IDF because we cannot let a genocide happen on our hands," demonstrator Leah Ali said.
- Related story: Resolution calling for ceasefire in Gaza creates division among Tri-State Area Democrats
Demonstrators say there is a significant humanitarian need in Gaza.
Watch Christine Sloan's report
"These people are so egregiously victimized. Gaza has been under blockade without access to water," demonstrator Jordan Lan said.
"I don't see how bombing Gaza is preventing more people from joining Hamas," demonstrator Zoe O'Brien said.
Police say 139 people were taken into custody and placed on buses after blocking traffic outside of Gillibrand's office on the East Side.
The NYPD says they were given summons for disorderly conduct.
Demonstrators say a quarter of Gaza residents are being displaced, and they're using their voices here to help in any way they can.
