Susan Sarandon, Hannah Einbinder detained at New York protest

Hollywood stars Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder were among more than 100 people reportedly detained by police in New York City during a protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday.

The demonstration took place near the United Nations as Netanyahu prepared to address the UN General Assembly. Protesters gathered for a mass sit-in and called for an end to the war in Gaza and US military support for Israel.

Footage from the scene showed police officers taking Sarandon away from the demonstration in handcuffs. The veteran actress, known for films including Thelma & Louise, Dead Man Walking, The Rocky Horror Picture Show and The Witches of Eastwick, was among those detained as police moved to clear the protest.

Hacks actor Hannah Einbinder was also taken into custody during the demonstration. The protest was organised by Jewish Voice for Peace, with participants carrying banners calling for an end to US military support for Israel and the war in Gaza.

Police said officers responded to an unscheduled demonstration after protesters blocked an intersection. Members of the NYPD Community Affairs Bureau reportedly issued several warnings and asked participants to leave the area.

According to police, some protesters continued to block the intersection after the warnings. Officers then took multiple people into custody after they failed to comply with the instructions.

Organisers said more than 100 people were arrested. They said more than 400 protesters had taken part in the sit-in outside the United Nations, demanding an end to the war and US military funding for Israel.

Einbinder later addressed her arrest in a statement shared on social media. She said she wanted attention to remain focused on the suffering of Palestinians rather than on the arrests themselves.

The actor said the protest was intended to highlight the ongoing conflict, including deaths, attacks on homes and other violence affecting civilians in Gaza and Southern Lebanon. She also criticised the US government for continuing to support Israel while Netanyahu was welcomed in New York.

Einbinder urged people not to focus only on the dramatic images of protesters being arrested. Instead, she called for attention to be directed toward the wider conflict and its impact on civilians.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu delivered his speech to the UN General Assembly, where he strongly criticised countries that have opposed Israel’s position. Several international representatives reportedly walked out of the chamber as he began speaking.

Netanyahu also criticised Britain and France over their recent moves toward recognising a Palestinian state. He rejected accusations that Israel is engaged in colonialism and challenged the countries making those claims.

Sarandon has previously spoken publicly about the war in Gaza and her support for Palestinian rights. Earlier this month, she discussed the impact her political views have had on her career while attending the Venice Film Festival.

The actress said she had recently lost acting opportunities because some people in the entertainment industry were unwilling to work with her because of her outspoken views on the conflict.

Despite the professional difficulties, Sarandon said she had found support among people who shared her views and remained comfortable with speaking publicly about the issue.

The New York protest came as international attention remained focused on Netanyahu’s visit and his address to the United Nations, with protesters using the demonstration to call for changes in US policy toward Israel and an end to the fighting.