New York, February 23 (RHC)-- Thousands of protesters have marched to the New York City office of the pro-Israel lobby group American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), demanding an immediate ceasefire in Israel’s war on Gaza.

The Jewish Voice for Peace activist group said thousands participated in the rally at the AIPAC offices while 18 Jewish activists were arrested for “shutting down” the New York offices of Democratic Party senators, Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand.

Unfurling a banner with the words “Stop funding genocide,” the protesters called on the senators to support a ceasefire in Gaza and “dump” the AIPAC lobby, which is a major force in US politics.

The antiwar, pro-Palestine activists marched through downtown New York chanting, “Free Palestine”, “Let Gaza live”, “Stop the genocide” and “Ceasefire now.”  Participants held a banner declaring “AIPAC funds genocide.”