New York City witnessed a major disruption on Monday as thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators took to the streets, blocking bridges and tunnels that connect Manhattan to the rest of the city. The protest, which began around 9:45 a.m., marked the largest demonstration seen in the city in recent months.

Voicing their support for a cease-fire in Gaza, CBS New York spoke with some of the demonstrators who expressed their willingness to be arrested in order to make their voices heard. The demonstration aimed to draw attention to the escalating violence in the region and send a message from the people, as opposed to those in power.

The Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, and the Holland Tunnel were all affected by the protest, causing significant traffic disruptions throughout the day. Demonstrator Erick Stoll explained that by blocking traffic, they were trying to create an analogy for the challenges faced by Gazans.

The demonstration also served as a reminder that tensions overseas have a significant impact at home. Sunday marked three months since the initial attack by Hamas on Israel, which led to the Israeli invasion of Gaza. The event highlighted the high stakes and ongoing tensions that persist in the region.

While the majority of the demonstrators expressed solidarity with the Palestinian cause, a pro-Israel demonstrator expressed frustration at the blockade, dismissing it as ineffective in promoting peace. "What happened to love and peace? How is this going to free Palestine? This is [expletive]," they exclaimed. Another demonstrator, identifying as an anti-Zionist Jew, drew from their Jewish heritage and the history of the Holocaust, pledging to prevent such atrocities from happening again.

In response to the demonstration, the NYPD and Port Authority Police arrested a total of 325 demonstrators, including those who had chained themselves together for maximum impact. Mayor Eric Adams emphasized that while the right to protest is important, blocking essential infrastructure is not permitted.

Despite the arrests, the demonstrators told CBS New York that they plan to further escalate their displays of disapproval until a complete cease-fire is achieved in Gaza. As tensions remain high, it is clear that this protest reflects the growing concerns and desire for peace among pro-Palestinian activists in New York City.