Several pro-Palestinian protesters disrupted the 97th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City on Thursday. As the parade made its way down Sixth Avenue, a group of protesters jumped the barricades and glued themselves to the street. Clad in white jumpsuits covered in fake blood and slogans like "colonialism" and "consumerism," the protesters held up Palestinian flags and banners criticizing the violence in Gaza. The interruption forced the parade to continue around them.

In addition to the disruption at the parade, a pro-Palestinian group spray-painted "Free Palestine" and bloody handprints on the pillars of the New York Public Library's main branch near Bryant Park. The library released a statement expressing support for the right to protest but noting the cost of repairing the vandalism in the midst of budget cuts.

While the exact number of arrests remains unclear, the New York Police Department reported that 34 people were taken into custody for various offenses, including trespassing and disorderly conduct. Four individuals were criminally charged for the vandalism at the library. The identities of the four arrested were revealed as Jay Waxse, Natalia Scollo, Sarah Al Azzawi, and Alvin Dan.

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is known for its joy and celebration, but this year's event was marred by the pro-Palestinian protest and vandalism. The disruption highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

Sources:

- The Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2023/11/23/macy-thanksgiving-parade-protest/

- PIX11: https://www.pix11.com/news/local-news/manhattan/pro-palestinian-protesters-deface-front-of-the-new-york-city-public-library