New York City: Hundreds Attend pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian Protests | VOA News

Supporters of Israel and backers of the Palestinian cause held competing rallies in Times Square in New York City on Sunday over the conflict that has killed hundreds and wounded thousands in the Middle East. The Israeli government formally declared war Sunday on Hamas militants in Gaza, setting the stage for a massive Israeli military response to the Islamist militant group’s surprise attack on the Jewish state. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had already said Saturday his country was at war with Hamas as the militants’ attack raged, but his assessment was rhetorical. The Cabinet decision was an official declaration of war. Ahead of the Cabinet vote, Netanyahu declared that Israel would “take mighty vengeance” against Hamas, even as Israeli soldiers battled Hamas fighters Sunday in the streets of southern Israel and launched retaliatory airstrikes that leveled buildings in Gaza. The White House said President Joe Biden ordered unspecified additional support for Israel after he and Vice President Kamala Harris heard a report on the attack from national security officials. Hamas and Israel have fought four wars since Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007. The U.N. Security Council called an emergency meeting for Sunday to discuss the latest violence. #israel #palestine #gaza READ MORE HERE: » Subscribe to VOA News: » Watch more VOA News video: Voice of America (VOA) is the largest U.S. international broadcaster, providing news and information in more than 40 languages to an estimated weekly audience of 236.8 million people. VOA produces content for digital, television, and radio platforms. It is easily accessed via your mobile phone and on social media. It is also distributed by satellite, cable, FM and MW, and is carried on a network of approximately 3,000 affiliate stations. Since its creation in 1942, Voice of America has been committed to providing comprehensive coverage of the news and telling audiences the truth. Through World War II, the Cold War, the fight against global terrorism, and the struggle for freedom around the globe today, VOA exemplifies the principles of a free press. Connect with VOA News: » VISIT OUR WEBSITE: » LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE: » FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: » FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: » FOLLOW US ON THREADS: @voanews #news #voanews