Pro-Palestinian protesters blocked traffic Monday morning in cities across the country, part of a global effort to disrupt economies and pressure world leaders to push for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
In California, protesters chained themselves to barrels and blocked lanes on northbound I-880 in Oakland, while another group of protesters carrying banners disrupted southbound traffic. On the Golden Gate Bridge, protesters blocked traffic in both directions, with some carrying a banner reading “Stop the World for Gaza.”
The outages didn't just impact motorists. In Chicago, protesters on I-190 blocked traffic entering O'Hare International Airport, and passengers who had already arrived began walking on foot with their luggage to catch their flight. The airport announced on Day X that significant delays had occurred and encouraged passengers to use alternative means of transportation. According to the airport, traffic had once again shifted toward O'Hare by mid-morning.
In San Antonio, protesters carrying Palestinian flags blocked both sides of the Valero energy company headquarters, blocking traffic on the city's northwest side. In New York on Monday afternoon, hundreds of protesters blocked traffic on the Brooklyn Bridge and police arrested some demonstrators.
And in Philadelphia, pro-Palestinian protesters staged a rally that blocked traffic during rush hour. Others led a funeral-like motorcade along Interstate 95, and a third group gathered outside City Hall, calling on local leadership to stop sending millions of dollars to Israel. They also headed to the headquarters of Day & Zimmermann, which is an arms manufacturer that organizers say supplies weapons to Israel, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported.
The protests were part of Action A15, a solidarity agreement to “identify and block key choke points” that would cause the greatest economic impact, according to its website.
In Middletown, Connecticut, for example, pro-Palestinian protesters blocked employees entering and exiting a Pratt & Whitney factory that exports military aircraft engines. Police arrested several protesters, the Hartford Courant reported.
Monday's movement purposely coincided with Tax Day in the United States. Protesters and activists across the country said they were calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and for the United States to stop providing military aid to the Israeli government.
Protesters also gathered in major cities around the world, including Athens; Belfast, Northern Ireland; Sydney, Australia; and Barcelona, Spain. Everyone echoed the call for a ceasefire.