Activists led by Jewish Voices For Peace disrupted the morning commute on Thursday after sealing off access to the United Nations headquarters. The NYPD carried out mass arrests of hundreds of demonstrators who blocked First Avenue and other streets to protest the visit of Benjamin Netanyahu. The blockages, which occurred around noon on Sept 24, were intended to obstruct Netanyahu as he arrived for his scheduled speech at the United Nations General Assembly.

Several high-profile figures were among those detained by police during the operation, including actors Elliot Page and Susan Sarandon, as well as activists Hannah Einbinder and Chelsea Manning. The NYPD moved in to clear the roads after protesters and supporters of Palestine had occupied the area throughout the afternoon.