San Francisco prosecutors have initiated charges against 80 protesters who blocked traffic on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge last month in a demonstration demanding a cease-fire in Gaza. The protest took place during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, which was attended by President Joe Biden and other world leaders.

On Monday, 17 individuals appeared in court to face charges including false imprisonment, refusing to comply with a peace officer, unlawful public assembly, refusing to disperse, and obstruction of a public place. The arraignments for those charged were adjourned until February.

Prior to the court proceedings, hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside, holding signs that read "Biden: Ceasefire Now," "Free Free Palestine," and "Drop the Charges!" Aisha Nizar, a member of the Palestinian Youth Movement, spoke during the news conference and shared her experience of being arrested and charged. Despite the charges, she expressed her determination to continue demonstrating.

During the protest, approximately 200 participants blocked all lanes of the Bay Bridge's upper deck, leading to significant traffic disruptions. Some drivers even threw their keys into the bay. Law enforcement authorities arrested dozens of protesters, and 29 vehicles were towed. The demonstrators specifically called on President Biden to demand an immediate cease-fire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

In the upcoming days, the charged protesters will have their arraignments scheduled in batches, according to the prosecutors.

San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins emphasized the importance of safeguarding freedom of speech but stated that public safety should not be compromised. In a statement, Jenkins highlighted the extensive impact of the Bay Bridge demonstration on the stranded motorists and the significant resources required to resolve the situation.

Similar calls for a cease-fire have prompted protests in major cities across the United States, including Los Angeles, New York, Boston, and Philadelphia. In Philadelphia, 32 protesters were arrested for blocking an interstate during a cease-fire protest. They were later released after being processed for disorderly conduct charges. Likewise, six people were arrested in Minneapolis for blocking traffic on an interstate, with charges of misdemeanor traffic obstruction pending against five of them.

Although a temporary cease-fire brokered by Qatar was announced on November 21, the war between Israel and Hamas resumed on December 1 after failed attempts to extend the truce.

The conflict began on October 7 when Hamas breached Israel's "Iron Wall," a high-tech security barrier, and launched an attack that resulted in over 1,200 Israeli casualties. Hamas also took nearly 240 people hostage. According to the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry in Gaza, more than 19,400 Palestinians, including a majority of women and minors, have lost their lives since the war began.

Contributing to this report: Mark Scolforo from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Summer Ballentine from Jefferson City, Missouri.

Overall, the charging of these protesters reflects the ongoing activism and demand for a cease-fire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, with demonstrations occurring nationwide to raise awareness and pressure political leaders to take action.