About a thousand protesters gathered in Hollywood on Sunday, just before the 2024 Academy Awards ceremony, to call for an immediate end to the Israel-Hamas war. The presence of the demonstrators caused frustration for Oscars organizers and traffic control, as their protest blocked streets and disrupted the event.

The protesters started gathering three hours prior to the ceremony at the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Ivar Avenue, near the Dolby Theatre. They waved Palestinian flags and occupied the eastbound side of Sunset Boulevard, causing major traffic congestion. Some attendees of the ceremony had to abandon their cars and walk to the theater as a result.

Police intervened and dispersed the protesters around 3:30 p.m. Around 40 officers in riot gear were positioned near Sunset Boulevard and Las Palmas Avenue to maintain control. The crowd, chanting slogans such as "Free free Palestine!" and holding signs, slowly made its way westward on Sunset Boulevard.

Protesters from various locations in Hollywood joined the demonstration, including members of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television Radio Artists. Holding up a large SAG-AFTRA poster, they showed their support for Palestinians and called for a cease-fire.

One protester, a 35-year-old actress, shared that her aunt and uncle were seeking shelter in a church in Gaza, highlighting the personal connection of some demonstrators to the conflict. She expressed concern about the entertainment industry's treatment of those who show support for Palestinians and urged the union to make a statement in favor of a cease-fire.

The protest in Hollywood is part of a broader global movement, with many rallies and marches taking place worldwide, calling for an immediate end to the war. Israel launched airstrikes and a ground invasion of Gaza following attacks by Hamas militants on October 7. The ongoing conflict has claimed the lives of approximately 1,200 people and left more than 240 hostages. The majority of the casualties, according to the World Health Organization, have been women and children, with the death toll in Gaza surpassing 30,000.

Efforts by international mediators to broker a cease-fire before the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan have been unsuccessful. Officials were hoping that a pause in the fighting would allow aid to reach the northern Gaza region, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are facing the threat of famine. Hospitals in the area have reported deaths due to malnutrition and dehydration.

The situation in Gaza has been exacerbated by the limited access to aid supplies. Recent airdrops by the U.S. and other countries have provided insufficient relief compared to the necessary truck deliveries, which have become infrequent and dangerous. The UNRWA, the largest U.N. agency in Gaza, has been unable to deliver supplies to the north since late January due to restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities.

As tensions continue to escalate, the calls for a cease-fire grow louder. The Hollywood demonstration has highlighted the urgent need for peace in the region and has shed light on the humanitarian crisis facing the people of Palestine.