Israel-Hamas war protesters block key San Francisco bridge during Apec forum
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Security personnel detaining protesters at San Francisco's Bay Bridge on Nov 16.
PHOTO: REUTERS
SAN FRANCISCO – Protesters calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war on Thursday blocked San Francisco’s Bay Bridge, a key commuter route into the city, which is hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) forum.
Organisers said 200 people attended the demonstration, which also called for an end to US military aid to Israel. Police began to make arrests after the California Highway Patrol issued a dispersal order to the assembled group, according to social media posts. Several tow trucks were also visible on social media.
Local emergency services warned of the blockage during morning rush hour on the bridge, which links Oakland and other East Bay cities to San Francisco.
Several groups participated in the demonstration, including the Palestinian Youth Movement and Bay Area Palestine Solidarity, according to a press release.
The Palestinian Youth Movement and Bay Area Palestine Solidarity did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Multiple social media posts showed protesters chained together through the open windows of vehicles adorned with signs that said “Free Palestine”, among other messages.
Several protesters appeared to be lying on the asphalt covered with white sheets.
Vehicles travelling on the bridge towards San Francisco were at a standstill as at about 9.30am local time, but it was not immediately clear how far the jam extended. REUTERS
