Protesters advocating for a Gaza ceasefire caused traffic disruptions on a major San Francisco bridge during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders' conference. Chained together, they urged President Joe Biden, who was attending the summit, to push for a ceasefire and cease military aid to Israel. Demonstrators chanted slogans such as "ceasefire now" and displayed large banners with messages like "Stop genocide" and "no US military aid to Israel."
The protest took a more dramatic turn as participants staged a "die-in" on the bridge, lying on the ground covered in white sheets. This coincided with the Israeli army's takeover of Al Shifa hospital in Gaza, a significant development in the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, now in its seventh week.
The conflict began when Israel responded to Hamas attacks on October 7 with a massive aerial bombardment and an unprecedented ground invasion of the Gaza Strip, resulting in the loss of 1,200 lives. The prolonged conflict has sparked global protests and raised concerns about potential violations of international law.
While world leaders and CEOs gathered at the APEC summit to discuss Pacific Ocean trade, investment, and economic development, the protests underscored the urgent humanitarian issues in Gaza.
Despite the increasing international outcry and the rising death toll in Gaza, the Biden administration has consistently supported Israel's response. The Palestinian death toll has surpassed 11,400, with the majority being women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
The administration's steadfast resistance to a general ceasefire and its commitment to providing additional military aid to Israel have faced criticism, especially from Arab and Muslim Americans. San Francisco city officials took action to remove about 80 protesters from the bridge, citing them and subsequently releasing them.
The protest involved collaboration among various groups, including the Palestinian Youth Movement, Bay Area Palestine Solidarity, and other local organizations. This collective effort aimed to draw attention to the ongoing conflict and advocate for a change in the US stance.