Anti-Israel protesters have cut off Manhattan while blocking the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, Williamsburg Bridge and Holland Tunnel by sitting in human chains across the road and chanting 'free Gaza'
- The protesters held their arms together in a human barricade using metal pipes, concrete and duct tape on four major thoroughfares in Manhattan.
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Anti-Israel protesters have shut down traffic in and out of Manhattan after blocking the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, Williamsburg Bridge and Holland Tunnel.
NYPD officers on Brooklyn Bridge began trying to dislodge the disruptive pro-Palestinian protesters, who appeared to have their arms pinned down, forming a human barricade, using metal pipes, concrete and duct tape.
The sign at the Holland Tunnel – where traffic was stopped around 10am – read: 'Lift the siege of Gaza. Armistice now.”
Groups of about 85 protesters sat at the entrance to the tunnel with Palestinian flags, chanting and cheering as one person shouted into a megaphone.
They shouted in unison: 'Free, free Palestine. Stop the Zionist occupation.'
Port Authority police stood silently as they watched protesters at the Holland Tunnel — many of whom wore face coverings, scarves and hoods — swelled to more than 100.
Large numbers of vehicle beeping could be heard near the Manhattan Bridge as demonstrators took position and formed a human chain across the approach path.
Once they were locked into a line, another gang of protesters formed a line, holding large signs, shouting, “Shut it down!”
At the Brooklyn Bridge, about 40 protesters sat cross-legged in the middle of the road as angry traffic was denied entry just after rush hour.
In addition to the protesters on the concrete, dozens of pro-Palestinian supporters lined the bridge's walkway — which is usually filled with tourists entering Dumbo.
Video footage showed that as the police presence escalated, some of the disruptive protesters were led away in handcuffs.
New York City's four main thoroughfares in Manhattan are still blocked as of 11 a.m., creating a traffic backlog in the downtown core, much to the dismay of irate commuters.
Last month, pro-Palestinian protesters clashed with NYPD officers in ugly scenes in New York City, as Christmas Day was marred by anti-Israel demonstrations in several US cities.
The NYPD confirmed to DailyMail.com that it has moved to level three police mobilization to combat the protests. It is believed a number of arrests have been made, but the number could not be confirmed as the situation is 'ongoing'.
Level three mobilization is the second highest alert level within the NYPD, meaning all special forces are called into action and police cars are dispatched from every command center in the city.
Pro-Palestinian protesters clashed with NYPD officers in ugly scenes in New York City, while Christmas Day was marred by anti-Israel demonstrations in several US cities.
The NYPD confirmed to DailyMail.com that it has moved to level three police mobilization to combat the protests. It is believed a number of arrests have been made, but the number could not be confirmed as the situation is 'ongoing'.
Level three mobilization is the second highest alert level within the NYPD, meaning all special forces are called into action and police cars are dispatched from every command center in the city.