Source : PERTHNOW NEWS
Around 100 protesters have been taken into custody in New York City ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to the United Nations General Assembly.
Among them are actors Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder and comedian Caleb Hearon.
The protesters were demonstrating near the UN headquarters on Thursday, with hundreds gathering along First Avenue to oppose Netanyahu’s amid Israel’s war in Gaza.
Police moved in to break up a sit-in after protesters blocked traffic and roadways near 39th Street, with officers seen zip-tying and leading demonstrators away.
Footage showed Sarandon being handcuffed and escorted from the demonstration by NYPD officers.
Jewish actress Einbinder, star of Emmy-winning series Hacks, was filmed being led away by police, shouting “Free Palestine” and “Netanyahu out of New York” as she was taken from the protest.
The demonstration was organised by Jewish Voice for Peace, with protesters calling for an end to US military support for Israel.
Stars take a stand
Other high-profile figures were also present, including actors Lucy Dacus, Julien Baker, and Elliot Page; Sex And The City star Cynthia Nixon; and WikiLeaks whistleblower Chelsea Manning, but there are no reports of any of these participants being detained.
Sarandon, 79, has long been outspoken in her support for Palestinians.
Earlier this month, she claimed her political views had continued to cost her work in Hollywood, telling reporters at the Venice Film Festival she had recently had films “taken away” because agencies were allegedly telling people not to hire her.
She was dropped by United Talent Agency in 2023 following comments she made at a pro-Palestinian rally in New York.
Einbinder, 31, has also been an outspoken supporter of Palestinians.
The actress used her acceptance speech at the 2025 Emmys to say “free Palestine” and has continued to speak publicly about the conflict.
Just last week, she criticised British singer Ed Sheeran after rapper Macklemore was dropped as an opening act on Sheeran’s US tour following pro-Palestine comments made during performances.
In an Instagram post, Einbinder wrote: “Ed Sheeran, I say this as a ginger. I hope you get a REALLY bad sunburn.”
Walkout during Israeli PM’s speech at UN summit
The protest came as Netanyahu prepared to address world leaders inside the UN General Assembly.
His speech was met with a mass walkout from delegates, while protesters outside chanted against the Israeli leader.
“Netanyahu you can’t hide, you are wanted for genocide,” protesters chanted.
As delegates left the chamber, Netanyahu hit back at those who remained opposed to him.
“If there are any other moral cowards who have not yet left the hall, please do so now,” Netanyahu said.
Netanyahu used his address to defend Israel’s military actions and accuse critics of spreading misinformation.
He also used his address to attack New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, calling him the “antisemitic mayor of New York” and accusing him of making Jewish New Yorkers feel unsafe, after Mamdani had threatened to have Netanyahu arrested if he came to the city.
The NYPD has not immediately confirmed the final number of arrests or what charges, if any, would be laid against those taken into custody.
