‘Consent for genocide is manufactured here,’ protest sign says as demonstrators seek to curtail deliveries from key distribution center.
Early Thursday, protesters advocating for Palestine staged a blockade at the entrance of the New York Times’ distribution center before moving on to the newspaper’s headquarters in Manhattan, New York City.
Footage of the demonstration at the Queens distribution center, widely shared on social media, depicted approximately twelve protesters obstructing roadways. At least one truck was observed apparently unloading sizable rocks and other materials onto the road. Additionally, various items such as a desk and chairs were positioned along the roadway as part of the demonstration.
“Consent for genocide is manufactured here,” read one sign that could be seen as a distribution truck blared its horn in the early morning hours. “Will you write about this?” asked another sign.
A search on the Times’ website did not appear to have stories related to the protest.
Later, dozens of protesters filled the lobby of the Times’ Manhattan headquarters reciting refrains that included “From the river to the sea: Palestine will be free.”
Another sign struck the word “Times” from the newspaper’s title, and replaced it with “war crimes.”
The conflict between Israel and Gaza has ignited a series of widespread protests in major cities throughout the United States, often resulting in disruptions during events held by President Joe Biden’s campaign.
Since a cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7, Israel has engaged in a lethal military campaign against the Gaza Strip, resulting in a reported death toll of 1,163 individuals.
Amidst this violence, over 31,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, have tragically lost their lives in Gaza, with more than 73,000 sustaining injuries. The region has also been plagued by extensive destruction and severe shortages of essential resources.
The conflict in Israel has resulted in a staggering 85% of Gaza’s inhabitants being displaced internally, exacerbating an already dire situation due to severe shortages of food, clean water, and medicine, intensified by a crippling blockade. Additionally, 60% of the enclave’s infrastructure has been either damaged or completely demolished, as reported by the United Nations.
Accusations of genocide have been leveled against Israel at the International Court of Justice. In a provisional ruling issued in January, Tel Aviv was instructed to cease genocidal activities and ensure the provision of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza.
