NEW YORK (WCBS 880) – Protests turned violent in Times Square on Thursday evening as pro-Israel and pro-Palestine demonstrators faced off, and the NYPD said its Hate Crimes Task Force was investigating a group assault on a Jewish man nearby.
The violence in the heart of midtown came as Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire.
Police said two dozen people were arrested in Times Square amid the clashes. They face charges of obstructing governmental administration, resisting arrest, unlawful assembly, disorderly conduct and criminal possession of a weapon.
Protesters charged at each other and punches were thrown as police officers tried to keep the dueling sides apart.
Projectiles were also used, and police said that at one point someone set off an M-80 explosive.
Fire officials said several people, including two police officers, were taken to local hospitals with injuries. A woman sustained burns to her lower back.
Around the same time, a Jewish man was attacked by a group in the area, according to police.
The NYPD said its Hate Crimes Task Force was investigating the assault.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo has also directed the State Police Hate Crimes Task Force to assist in the investigation.
"I unequivocally condemn these brutal attacks on visibly Jewish New Yorkers and we will not tolerate anti-Semitic violent gang harassment and intimidation. New York is the vibrant and dynamic home for people from around the world," Cuomo said. "This tapestry makes New York the extraordinary place that it is. Those of all faiths, backgrounds and ethnicities must be able to walk the streets safely and free from harassment and violence. Justice needs to be done and I am directing the New York State Police Hate Crimes Task Force to offer their assistance in the investigation of these attacks."
Protesters had mostly cleared out by 7:30 p.m.
Israel and Hamas agreed to a cease-fire Thursday in an 11-day war that caused widespread destruction in the Gaza Strip and left more than 200 people dead.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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