Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters took to the streets on Sunday, causing major traffic disruptions on the Manhattan Bridge. The demonstration, aimed at urging a cease-fire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza, coincided with one of the busiest travel days of the year. City officials advised drivers to avoid the bridge during the protest.

The protesters gathered at Canal Street in Manhattan at 2 p.m., where they sat in the roadway, bringing traffic to a halt. Many of the participants donned shirts bearing the slogan "ceasefire now" and laid out a large banner on the pavement, stating, "the whole world is watching." Their intention was to draw maximum attention to their call for a lasting end to the hostilities.

According to Jay Saper, a member of the group organizing the protest, timing the demonstration during a busy travel day was a deliberate strategy to raise awareness about the urgent need for a cease-fire. The current pause in the conflict is scheduled to end on Tuesday, which aims to facilitate the exchange of Hamas hostages for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel and the delivery of humanitarian aid.

One of the demonstrators, 74-year-old Joan Glickman from Westchester, expressed her belief that actions such as the traffic blockade help shed light on the severity of the situation, which she feels many Americans may not fully grasp. The hope among the protesters is that their message resonates not only with the public but also with decision-makers, including the White House.

The demonstration was closely monitored by dozens of police officers, with a drone also deployed to oversee the situation. At present, there are no plans for immediate arrests, although Department of Correction buses were stationed nearby. The protesters remain steadfast in their determination to stay on the roadway until their demands for a cease-fire are met.

The intensifying conflict between Israel and Hamas has caused significant loss of life and devastation. According to local authorities, since October 7, more than 1,200 people have been killed in Israel due to Hamas militant attacks. In response, Israel launched a bombing campaign and invasion of Gaza, resulting in the deaths of over 14,000 people.

Prominent Palestinian American activist Linda Sarsour expressed her hope that the White House takes notice of the protest and its message. The demonstration serves as a reminder that the conflict in the Middle East continues to be a pressing issue with potential global implications.

As the protest on the Manhattan Bridge continues, both organizers and participants hope that their collective voice will spur meaningful action towards achieving a lasting cease-fire and bringing an end to the devastating violence in the region.

(Note: The number of casualties mentioned in the article is fictional and only serves as an example based on the user's provided text.)