Pro-Palestinian Protesters Clash with Police, Block Highways Across U.S.

Pro-Palestinian protesters staged demonstrations across the United States on Monday, blocking highways and bridges in major cities to voice their support for the Palestinian cause amid escalating tensions in the Gaza conflict. The protests, organized by the group A15 Action, aimed to "cause the most economic impact" and demonstrate "solidarity with Palestine" through a multi-city blockade.

In Seattle, 46 protesters were arrested for blocking the expressway leading to Seattle-Tacoma Airport, disrupting access and causing delays for at least 139 flights. The protesters used vehicles and stood in the road, holding a banner that read "our taxes are funding genocide." Police and tow trucks removed the vehicles about an hour after the protest began.

Similar protests occurred in San Francisco, where demonstrators blocked traffic on the Golden Gate Bridge, and in New York, where they shut down the Brooklyn Bridge. Highways in Connecticut and Oregon were also targeted by the protesters, who demanded an end to U.S. support for Israel's military offensive in Gaza.

Why this matters: The protests come amid mounting pressure on the Biden administration to rein in U.S. support for Israel, including billions of dollars in arms transfers, as the conflict in Gaza escalates. The demonstrations also highlight the shifting public opinion on the issue, with more Americans disapproving of Israel's military operation.

The protests have drawn criticism from some politicians, including Republican Senator Tom Cotton, who controversially encouraged Americans to take matters into their own hands if blocked by traffic. Cotton labeled the protesters as "pro-Hamas vigilantes" and suggested that people should "get out of their cars" and "move them to the side of the road" to let traffic continue.

In Scranton, Pennsylvania, a group of about six pro-Palestinian protesters confronted President Joe Biden outside his hotel, chanting slogans and demanding an end to U.S. support for Israel. The protesters have been trailing Biden at various events, including fundraisers and family vacations, since the latest conflict between Hamas and Israel began on October 7th.

The ongoing protests reflect the growing pro-Palestinian movement in the United States, which has been galvanized by the recent violence in Gaza. According to the International Court of Justice, Israel is accused of genocide and has been ordered to stop genocidal acts and provide humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza. The United Nations reports that nearly 1,200 people have been killed and 85% of Gaza's population has been displaced amid shortages of food, water, and medicine.

Key Takeaways

• Pro-Palestinian protesters staged demonstrations across the US, blocking highways.
• 46 protesters were arrested in Seattle for blocking the expressway to the airport.
• Protesters demanded an end to US support for Israel's military offensive in Gaza.
• The protests highlight growing pro-Palestinian sentiment and criticism of US-Israel ties.
• Nearly 1,200 people have been killed and 85% of Gaza's population displaced.