Protests against the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza have caused major disruptions in busy Los Angeles and San Francisco traffic on Wednesday and Thursday, as protesters from the group “IfNotNow Los Angeles” shut down the 110 Freeway and the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge in their demand for a cease-fire and an end to U.S. support for Israel’s actions in Gaza.
In Los Angeles, traffic on the 110 Freeway came to a standstill for nearly two hours as protesters blocked the southbound lanes and linked arms in front of a seven-foot-tall menorah. The California Highway Patrol intervened and declared an unlawful assembly, resulting in the arrest of several protesters and the eventual clearing of the roadway. NBC4 reported that tow trucks were needed to remove stalled vehicles from the backed-up traffic.
The protesters, part of the “IfNotNow” movement, stated that their goal was to urge elected officials to act for a lasting cease-fire and the safe return of all civilians, in accordance with international humanitarian law. FOX11 Los Angeles reported that the group had not publicly announced their plans to shut down the freeway beforehand.
“We will continue to protest until the killing and mass displacement stop, all the hostages are home, and safety is guaranteed for civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law,” IfNotNow said.
In San Francisco, a similar protest took place on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, causing a complete closure of all westbound lanes during the morning commute. According to authorities, 80 people were arrested and over a dozen vehicles used to block the lanes were towed.
The California Highway Patrol stated that the protesters had blocked the westbound lanes on the bridge’s eastern span just before Treasure Island around 8 a.m. The closure caused significant delays and congestion in the area, with traffic being diverted to other bridges and alternate routes. Eventually, two lanes were reopened to official vehicles, and traffic began moving again.
While the earlier incident was cleared by 11 a.m., the Bay Bridge remained closed to westbound traffic for some time, leading to major delays and congestion on the nearby Richmond-San Rafael Bridge and San Mateo Bridge. The impact of the protests and resulting road closures highlights the severity and urgency of the situation in Gaza and the widespread global support for a resolution.
The protests in both cities have caused disruptions and inconveniences for commuters, but they also serve as a powerful reminder of the ongoing conflict and the urgent need for a resolution. As tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East, these demonstrations bring attention to the issue and demand action from elected officials and world leaders.
The actions taken by protesters in Los Angeles and San Francisco highlight the power of grassroots movements in raising awareness and promoting change. As the world watches and waits for a resolution to the conflict in Israel and Gaza, it is clear that these protests will continue until their demands for peace and justice are met.