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

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

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

Images show NYPD officers breaking up the demonstration and detaining several protesters so 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.

Protesters can be heard shouting “Free Palestine!” when the police broke up the group on video from the scene. The massive 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 protesters who were removed were arrested. Fox News Digital has reached out to the NYPD for more information.

Police officers clash with 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, with some shouting and chanting “Palestine will be free” while others stuck their hands to the street of the parade route and dipped themselves in red liquid to signify blood.

Police officers remove 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 had warned protesters on Wednesday not to repeat their efforts.

“I really want to take the time to tell the grinches who think they’re going to disrupt the parade that it’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 ignited the war in Gaza when its fighters stormed into Israel on October 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting about 250. About 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, and at least a third of them are believed to be death.

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

The Associated Press contributed to this report.