Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has joined a pro-Palestinian protest in New York, United States, condemning Israel's military campaign in Gaza. Sowore disclosed his participation in a post on his verified X account on Friday, September 25. He stated that he joined the demonstration to express solidarity with Palestinians and demand justice. Sowore emphasized that Nigerians stand for justice and human rights for Palestinians.
Sowore's participation came amid a series of pro-Palestinian demonstrations in New York as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the city to address the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Protests intensified around UN headquarters, with several demonstrations held in New York on Thursday, September 24. Netanyahu delivered his UNGA address as thousands of demonstrators marched towards the UN headquarters.
According to Al Jazeera, more than 400 people, including activists, politicians, and celebrities, participated in a sit-in near the United Nations headquarters organised by Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) and the New York City chapter of Democratic Socialists of America. The protesters blocked part of First Avenue and called for accountability over Israel's conduct in Gaza, while also demanding an end to US military support for Israel.
Police ordered protesters to clear the road before making arrests. The New York Police Department reported that 103 people were arrested for disorderly conduct and subsequently released. Organisers stated that nine of those arrested were elected officials or candidates for public office. Notable arrestees included congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier and New York City Council member Chi Osse.
Thousands of demonstrators marched towards the UN headquarters in a separate protest organised by the Palestinian Youth Movement and The People's Forum. The demonstrations brought the Gaza war and US support for Israel to the streets of New York while Netanyahu defended his government's conduct from the UNGA podium.
Netanyahu rejected accusations that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza during his UN address, describing the allegation as the "greatest lie of the century" and saying Israel had taken steps to protect Palestinian civilians. The protesters' demands included greater international accountability over the war and an end to US military assistance to Israel.
Sowore's participation in the protest highlights the growing international concern over the conflict in Gaza. His statement emphasized Nigerians' support for justice and human rights for Palestinians. The protests in New York demonstrate the ongoing debate over Israel's military campaign in Gaza and the role of international community in addressing the conflict.
Key points
- AAC presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore joins pro-Palestinian protest in New York
- Protests intensify around UN headquarters as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses UNGA
- Netanyahu rejects accusations of genocide in Gaza, describing it as the "greatest lie of the century"
