On Monday, pro-Palestinian demonstrators stopped highways and one of the most well-known bridges in the nation, resulting in the arrest or detention of over 150 persons nationwide.
Protesting the US’s backing for Israel in the Gaza conflict, activists shut off major airport access and affected traffic in locations ranging from San Francisco and Seattle to Chicago, the East Coast cities of Miami and New York, and even during rush hour.
In response to Iran’s strike on Israel over the weekend, President Joe Biden stated on Monday that his priorities continue to be securing Israel’s security, achieving a truce in Gaza, releasing the hostages held by Hamas, and halting the conflict from getting worse.
On Monday morning, dozens of demonstrators stopped traffic on the famous Golden Gate Bridge during rush hour.
One of the placards carried by protesters said, “Stop the world for Gaza.” According to officials, some protestors on the bridge attached themselves to passing cars. After several hours, the bridge was completely operational again.
In two other locations in the Bay Area, protesters obstructed traffic movement. Some of them affixed themselves to drums that were packed with rebar and concrete, which, according to authorities, delayed efforts to repair roadways.
“It was an orchestrated event that they put forth,” California Highway Patrol Chief Don Goodbrand stated. “They blocked three separate locations on freeways. They prevented law enforcement, paramedics, ambulances from getting to their points of destination.”
The CHP reports that around thirty people were taken into custody. 52 persons were taken into custody in Oregon after a large number of law enforcement officials were called to a demonstration that closed down traffic on Interstate 5 close to Eugene. Six cars, according to Oregon State Police, were towed from the site.
Read Also: White House Awaits Iran’s Response Post-Israel Strike
Travelers on airlines avoid protests in order to board planes.
Protests also spread to the roads leading to two major US airports. People who were attempting to make their flights in Chicago and Seattle had to exit their cars and walk to the terminals.
During the morning rush hour, demonstrators at Chicago’s O’Hare airport blocked traffic on a route leading to Terminal 1.
40 or more persons were placed under arrest, according to Chicago police.
With multiple cars obstructing the route to the Seattle-Tacoma airport, protesters in Seattle looked to be holding signs that said, “Our taxes are funding genocide.”
At least two protesting groups with Palestinian flags were visible in Miami, standing on opposing sides of a busy thoroughfare. Seven arrests were reported by police.
Numerous individuals congregated on Wall Street in New York, brandishing placards and flags. Another demonstration took place close to the Brooklyn Bridge. Although a handful of persons were taken into custody, New York police did not disclose it.
The US has given Israel military assistance
On October 7, Hamas fighters from Gaza launched a devastating onslaught on Israel, killing 1,200 people and capturing 250 more. According to the health ministry in the beleaguered enclave, since Israel started war on Hamas, there have been over 33,000 deaths and over 76,000 injuries in Gaza.
Following the attack by Hamas, the US has given Israel military backing and assistance; but, disagreements between the leaders of the two nations have surfaced on the increasing number of civilian deaths and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
