Article:
In a show of solidarity for Palestine, pro-Palestinian protesters from various advocacy groups brought traffic to a halt on Monday morning in New York City. The Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, Williamsburg Bridge, and Holland Tunnel were all shut down for more than an hour, causing significant disruptions to the morning commute. The protests, which saw the arrest of hundreds of individuals, were organized by groups such as the Palestinian Youth Movement, Jewish Voice for Peace, and the Palestine Right to Return Coalition.

According to the NYPD, the standstill in traffic began around 9:30 a.m. and lasted until approximately 11:15 a.m., at which point police were able to arrest the protesters and resume traffic flow. A total of 216 arrests were made by the NYPD, while the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey arrested 109 individuals.

Chaining their arms together, approximately 50 protesters on the Brooklyn Bridge took further measures to impede traffic by using chicken wire, foam, and plastic tubing to cover their chains. Police commenced the removal of these obstacles at around 10:30 a.m., which included sawing off the tubes. Notably, at least two protesters attached themselves to a tire using cement.

The primary goal of the demonstrations was to draw attention to the ongoing Israeli bombardment in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of nearly 23,000 Palestinians, as reported by Gaza's health ministry. These attacks were a response to the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, which claimed the lives of approximately 1,200 people, according to Israeli officials.

One protester, Mon Mohapatra, emphasized that the purpose of the disruptions was to cause gridlock and traffic back-ups throughout downtown Manhattan. The protesters sought to exhibit a united front for Palestine and call for a permanent ceasefire.

The traffic chaos resulted in frustration for hundreds of drivers who were caught in the congestion. Some motorists even got out of their cars to express their anger towards both the police and the protesters. Angel Morel, a worker for the city's sanitation department, expressed his dismay, saying, "This is unbelievable. The citizens always pay at the end." Morel added that he feared his job might be at risk after waiting nearly an hour due to the protests.

The demonstrations on Monday serve as a stark reminder of the deepening divide and escalating tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As the situation continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how these protests will impact the ongoing conversation on the conflict and potential efforts towards peace.