Protesters Block Roads Across U.S. to Push for Gaza Cease-Fire

Pro-Palestinian protesters shut down traffic Monday morning in cities across the country, part of a global effort to disrupt economies and pressure world leaders to push for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip.

In California, protesters chained themselves to barrels and blocked lanes on northbound I-880 in Oakland, while another group of demonstrators carrying banners disrupted southbound traffic. On the Golden Gate Bridge, protesters obstructed traffic in both directions, with some carrying a banner that read “Stop the world for Gaza.”

The disruptions did not just impact drivers. In Chicago, protesters on I-190 blocked traffic coming into O’Hare International Airport, and passengers who’d already arrived started walking on foot with their luggage to catch their flights. The airport announced on X that there were substantial delays and encouraged passengers to use alternative transportation. By mid morning, traffic was moving into O’Hare again, according to the airport.

In San Antonio, protesters carrying Palestinian flags blocked both sides of the Valero energy company headquarters, jamming traffic on the city’s northwest side. And in Philadelphia, pro-Palestinian protesters organized a teach-in that blocked rush-hour traffic. Others led a funeral-like procession of cars up Interstate 95, and a third group gathered outside of City Hall, calling on local leadership to stop sending millions of dollars to Israel. They also made their way to Day & Zimmermann headquarters, which is a weapons manufacturer that organizers said supplies weapons to Israel, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

The protests were part of A15 Action, a solidarity agreement to “identify and blockade major choke points” that would cause the most economic impact, according to its website.

In Middletown, Conn., for example, pro-Palestinian protesters blocked employees entering and leaving a Pratt & Whitney factory that exports military engines for aircrafts. Police arrested multiple protesters, the Hartford Courant reported.

The movement on Monday purposefully coincided with Tax Day in the United States. Protesters and activists across the country said they were calling for a cease-fire in Gaza and for the United States to stop providing military aid to the Israeli government.

Protesters also gathered in major cities globally, including in Athens; Belfast, Ireland; Sydney, Australia; and Barcelona, Spain. All echoed calls for a cease-fire.