NEW YORK, UNITED STATES - JULY 25, 2025: Pro-Palestinian activists filled the streets of New York City on Friday, demanding an end to Israel’s ongoing siege of the Gaza Strip and calling for urgent international intervention to halt the deepening humanitarian catastrophe. Demonstrators carried placards with messages such as “Stop Starving Gaza” and “End the Blockade,” while others banged pots and pans — a symbolic act of protest against the starvation and famine imposed deliberately by Israel in the besieged enclave. The rally, held near the United Nations headquarters, was part of a global day of action aimed at drawing international attention to the dire situation facing civilians in Gaza. The Health Ministry in Gaza said early Friday that nine more Palestinians have died in the past 24 hours due to famine and malnutrition, bringing the number of starvation-related deaths to 122, including 83 children. Rejecting international calls for a ceasefire, Israel has pursued genocide in Gaza since late 2023, killing more than 59,700 Palestinians, most of them women and children. Deaths by starvation have climbed in recent days due to a months-long blockade and poor distribution of aid by the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.