Police arrested at least 30 people, including actors and politicians, during a protest outside United Nations headquarters in New York on Thursday against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of his address to the General Assembly.

Oscar-winning actor Susan Sarandon, Emmy Award winner Hannah Einbinder, Democratic congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier and New York City Council member Chi Osse were among those arrested, according to Reuters.

The demonstration was organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, a Jewish activist group that supports Palestinians. Around 200 people gathered outside the UN wearing identical white T-shirts carrying slogans including “Fund people not bombs,” “No war” and “Free Palestine.”

The protesters blocked traffic, prompting police to order them to leave through loudspeakers. Some demonstrators moved onto the sidewalks, while a larger group remained seated on the pavement and continued chanting slogans directed at Netanyahu.

Police officers, many of whom arrived on bicycles, surrounded the demonstrators before removing protesters one by one. Officers tied their hands behind their backs with zip ties and escorted them to police buses.

The activists continued chanting as they were taken away, including calls for Netanyahu to leave office.

Manijeh Moradian, a 50-year-old university professor of Iranian and Jewish heritage who participated in the protest, said the destruction in Gaza had created a responsibility for people in the United States to speak out. She also criticized Netanyahu for using the UN platform to defend Israel’s actions.

The arrests took place shortly before Netanyahu addressed the 81st UN General Assembly. During his speech, Netanyahu defended Israel’s actions in the region as international criticism of the country has increased.

Dozens of delegates streamed out of the General Assembly Hall during Netanyahu’s address, according to Reuters.

The protest came as Netanyahu faced growing international pressure over Israel’s military actions in Gaza and the wider region. The demonstration outside the UN reflected divisions surrounding the Israeli government’s policies and the ongoing conflict.

SOURCE: Reuters, Maria Tsvetkova, September 25, 2026.