Protesters against the U.S. response to the Israel-Hamas conflict have disrupted major transportation routes in the Bay Area, including the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, during Monday morning’s rush hour.
The demonstration, which saw protesters carrying signs such as “Stop Arming Israel” and “Bay Area Demands No Murder for Profit,” aimed to criticize American military support for Israel.
This action is part of a larger, national “A15-Economic Blockade for a Free Palestine” movement, which also saw disruptions in Philadelphia and near Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.
Gaza war protesters shut down Golden Gate Bridge (Credits: The Hill)
Organizers targeted economic arteries like the Port of Oakland and the nearby rail yards, highlighting their role in what they describe as supporting “the ongoing genocide in Gaza.” These protests coincided with Tax Day, underlining the protesters’ message about U.S. financial involvement in the conflict.
Public sentiment in the U.S. regarding Israel’s military actions in Gaza has shown signs of shifting. A recent poll indicated that about one-third of Americans, including a majority of Democrats, believe Israel’s military response has been excessive.
Since October, ongoing airstrikes have seriously impacted Gaza following an attack by Hamas that killed over 1,100 Israelis. The conflict has resulted in over 33,000 Palestinian deaths, with warnings of impending famine among Gaza’s roughly 2 million civilians.
Crowds block Golden Gate Bridge (Credits: WAMU)
While the Biden administration has generally supported Israel, it has voiced concerns over the severity of Israel’s military actions and has specifically advised against an invasion of Rafah, the last major settlement in southern Gaza not yet targeted by Israeli forces.
Although military aid for Israel enjoys broad bipartisan support in Congress, an increasing number of Democrats are advocating for conditional aid to ensure the support of humanitarian efforts and the minimization of civilian casualties, especially in light of recent developments like the Iranian attack on Israel.
