Palestinian banner unfurled on NYC bridge

Demonstrators gather in Brooklyn's Cadman Plaza Park as they prepare to march across the Brooklyn Bridge during a pro-Palestinian rally, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2014, in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)

Published on Aug 20, 2014

NEW YORK (AP) — Pro-Palestinian activists marching along the Brooklyn Bridge were surprised when a giant flag in Palestinian colors was unfurled on the nearby Manhattan Bridge.

The flag had the words "Boycott, Divest, Sanction" on it and was lowered from a part of the bridge near the Manhattan side Wednesday evening. Activists on the Brooklyn Bridge met its appearance with cheers.

The BDS movement is an international effort to pressure Israel over the settlements.

The flag was taken back up a short time later. Police say no one was arrested in connection with its display.

It's the second time in recent months that flags have unexpectedly shown up on city bridges. In July, two white flags were put in the place of American flags on top of the Brooklyn Bridge.