Photo: TOBIAS SCHWARZ / AFP / Getty Images
New York State is commemorating the second anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel today. Flags across the state are at half-staff, and landmarks are illuminated to honor the lives lost and affected by the attack. In Central Park, a circle of unity event will celebrate life for Jewish people, while in Midtown Manhattan, a protest called Flood NYC for Gaza will take place on Sixth Avenue.
Two years ago, Hamas launched armed incursions in Southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of over 1,200 civilians and more than 200 hostages taken. The attack marked a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Protests in New York City have been organized by groups like the Party for Socialism and Liberation, demanding an arms embargo and an end to aid to Israel. Protesters carried banners reading "Let Gaza live," "Free Palestine," and "Stop killing journalists." The demonstrations are part of a broader movement to apply public pressure on the international community.
Pro-Palestinian sit-ins have also been ongoing outside the United Nations headquarters in New York, coinciding with the UN General Assembly's 80th session. Demonstrators are calling for an end to the war in Gaza and support for Palestinian rights.
On Monday, officials from both Israel and Hamas met to negotiate a peace deal, signaling potential progress toward resolving the conflict.