'Free Palestine' Protest Takes To Times Square, Reports Say

TIMES SQUARE, NY — Hundreds took to Times Square Friday afternoon calling for Palestinian freedom as tensions mount across New York City.

Demonstrations and violence have riled New York City for days after Hamas initiated an attack in Israel over the weekend, met with deadly counterattacks by the Israeli military.

Pro-Palestine demonstrators were met with a heavy police presence and a large group of counter-protesters donning Israeli flags, according to Gothamist and videos posted to social media.

With the rally scheduled to start at 3 p.m., police had barricaded Broadway at 42nd Street for the demonstration by 2:30 p.m., Gothamist reported.

"The people of the United States are taking to streets to demand: Free Palestine! Cut all U.S. aid for the Israeli apartheid regime! Free all Palestinian political prisoners," said organizers with the Party for Socialism and Liberation in a tweet.

On Thursday, NYPD and city officials promised heightened security across the city Friday and especially at houses of worship.

"This is a precautionary measure & at this time there are no credible threats," City Council Majority Leader Keith Powers said.

Just a day earlier, students at Hunter College, Columbia University and Brooklyn College showed support for Palestine by the hundreds — met with counter-protesters calling for solidarity with Israel.