Anti-Israel protesters attempt to block the route of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Anti-Israel protesters carrying “Free Palestine” signs and banners flocked to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City on Thursday, with police removing those who tried to block the parade’s route.

A group of protesters held Palestinian flags and unfurled a banner reading “Don’t celebrate genocide!” in the middle of the street as the parade led by the Ronald McDonald balloon traveled down Sixth Avenue to West 55th Street.

Photos show NYPD officers breaking up the demonstration and arresting several demonstrators so that the parade could continue unhindered. Some protesters were seen walking away, while others who refused to move were dragged away or taken to the ground and handcuffed.

Demonstrators can be heard shouting: “Liberate Palestine!” As the police dispersed the group, a video from the crime scene could be seen. The huge crowd that lined the streets to watch the parade could be heard booing the protesters.

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Anti-Israel protesters sit along the parade route during the 98th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City on Thursday. (Reuters/Brendan McDermid)

It was unclear whether the demonstrators who were taken away were arrested. Fox News Digital has reached out to the NYPD for more information.

Clashes broke out between police and protesters during the 98th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City on Thursday. (Reuters/Brendan McDermid)

Last year, anti-Israel protesters lined the parade route. Some chanted and chanted “Palestine will be free,” while others taped their hands to the street of the parade route and doused themselves with red liquid to symbolize blood.

Police officers removed protesters during the 98th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City on Thursday. (Reuters/Brendan McDermid)

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New York City Mayor Eric Adams warned protesters on Wednesday not to repeat their efforts.

“I really want to take this opportunity to tell those grinning people who think they’re disrupting the parade that that’s not going to happen,” Adams said during a news conference.

Police officers detain a protester during the 98th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City on Thursday. (Reuters/Brendan McDermid)

Hamas sparked the war in Gaza when its fighters stormed Israel on October 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and kidnapping about 250. About 100 hostages remain in the Gaza Strip, and at least a third of them are believed to be dead.

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According to the Gaza Strip Health Ministry, more than 44,000 people have been killed and more than 104,000 injured in the 13-month war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.