• Nearly 100 protesters were arrested in New York demanding the US block arms sales to Israel.
• The demonstration, led by Jewish Voice for Peace, involved notable figures including Chelsea Manning.
• Protesters accused Senators Schumer and Gillibrand of complicity in Israel's military actions.

On Monday, around 100 protesters were arrested in New York City during a demonstration urging Senate leaders Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand to block military sales to Israel. Organized by the antiwar group Jewish Voice for Peace, the protest took place outside the lawmakers' offices and included prominent activists such as whistleblower Chelsea Manning. Protesters chanted slogans like "fund people, not bombs" and "stop the bombs" as they were detained, according to SCMP, India Times, and Reuters.

The protest was motivated by a range of ongoing conflicts involving Israel, particularly its recent military actions in Lebanon and against Gaza, which protesters believe are facilitated by U.S. arms. They called for Schumer and Gillibrand to reconsider their positions on military sales that they argue contribute to violence in the region. Manning stated that the senators have "repeatedly supported weapons sales to Israel" that fuel the crisis, highlighting the urgency for legislative change, according to SCMP and India Times.

The event also underscored a growing sentiment among the public against U.S. military support for Israel amidst rising violence. Clips showed protestors gathering outside the Senate offices, chanting "let Gaza live," "let Iran live," and highlighting the humanitarian impacts of military actions. The protest is seen as part of a larger movement questioning U.S. policy in the Middle East, with more than half of Senate Democrats reportedly supporting similar resolutions in the past, even if Schumer and Gillibrand did not participate, as noted by Reuters.