Actor Hannah Einbinder has taken to social media to redirect attention to the ongoing situation in Gaza, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the conflict rather than her recent arrest during a protest outside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech at the UN. Einbinder’s Instagram post highlighted the dire situation in Gaza and criticized the U.S. for its support of Israel.
Einbinder, along with actress Susan Sarandon and other protesters, was among over 100 individuals detained during the demonstration in New York City as Netanyahu addressed the UN General Assembly. Images of the arrests, including Sarandon and Einbinder being escorted by police, circulated online, with Sarandon wearing a shirt advocating for funding people over bombs. Comedian Caleb Hearon, Democratic congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier, and New York City council member Chi Osse were also arrested.
The protest, organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, gathered hundreds of anti-Israel demonstrators near the UN headquarters. The group called for an end to the conflict and criticized U.S. military funding to Israel. The activists highlighted the need to halt what they described as a genocidal war and the support given to alleged war criminals.
Canadian actor Elliot Page, present at the protest, shared the group’s statement on social media. Amnesty International and a UN inquiry have both raised concerns about Israel’s actions in Gaza, labeling them as potentially constituting genocide. In response, Netanyahu defended Israel’s military operations in Gaza as necessary measures against Hamas, denying accusations of genocide.
Israel has faced allegations of obstructing humanitarian aid to Gaza, with aid groups and international organizations accusing the country of violating humanitarian laws. The tense situation surrounding Netanyahu’s visit to the U.S. and his appearance at the UN has sparked criticism and calls for accountability from various quarters.
As international scrutiny of Israel intensifies, the U.S. remains a key ally, planning a substantial arms deal worth $2.8 billion with Israel. Israeli officials have also faced criticism for discussing plans to relocate Palestinians from Gaza, a move condemned as potentially leading to ethnic cleansing. Netanyahu’s speech at the UN prompted a mass walkout by delegates critical of Israel’s policies and actions in the region.