New York City: Hundreds Attend pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian Protests

Supporters of Israel and backers of the Palestinian cause held competing rallies in Times Square in New York City on Sunday over the conflict that has killed hundreds and wounded thousands in the Middle East.

The Israeli government formally declared war Sunday on Hamas militants in Gaza, setting the stage for a massive Israeli military response to the Islamist militant group’s surprise attack on the Jewish state.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had already said Saturday his country was at war with Hamas as the militants’ attack raged, but his assessment was rhetorical. The Cabinet decision was an official declaration of war.

Ahead of the Cabinet vote, Netanyahu declared that Israel would “take mighty vengeance” against Hamas, even as Israeli soldiers battled Hamas fighters Sunday in the streets of southern Israel and launched retaliatory airstrikes that leveled buildings in Gaza.

The White House said President Joe Biden ordered unspecified additional support for Israel after he and Vice President Kamala Harris heard a report on the attack from national security officials.

Hamas and Israel have fought four wars since Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007