Thousands of Americans have taken part in a couple of massive rallies in US States of Chicago and New York to express their support for the Palestinian people in the face of Israeli violence.

According to different estimates, up to 2,000 protesters took to the streets of New York on Sunday, carrying Palestinian flags.

The protests were organized by the NYC Students for Justice in Palestine, which is part of a wider movement called NY4Palestine. The protesters chanted "Free Palestine" as they made their way down Manhattan to the Times Square, where the crowd grew larger.

The protesters condemned Israel's violence against Palestinians and its surge of aggression during the past few weeks.

Jewish activists also joined the rally in support of the Palestinian cause and against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's aggressive policies.

Tensions rose at the Times Square as Palestinian activists were confronted by a pro-Israeli rally that was also held at the center of Manhattan. No major accidents were reported between the opposing sides.

Another rally in Chicago also attracted thousands of people who descended on the streets while bearing placards and Palestinian flags to voice their support for the oppressed nation.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="550"] Thousands gather for a march in Chicago, to express support for Palestinian people, October 18, 2015.[/caption]

The large crowd, organized by the Coalition for Justice in Palestine, marched downtown near Congress and Michigan Avenue. They, too, demanded an immediate end to the Israeli aggression and occupation.

The protesters urged the US government to stop using their taxes to support Israel. They also called for boycotting the Israeli regime and holding it responsible for its numerous human rights violations against Palestinians.

The latest wave of tensions in the occupied territories was triggered in August, by the Israeli regime’s new restrictions on the entry of Palestinian worshipers into the al-Aqsa Mosque.

According to Palestinian sources, at least 45 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since the new conflict broke out at the beginning of October.

By Press TV