In a display of solidarity with Palestine, 'Free Palestine' protesters brought traffic to a standstill across the Bay Area on Monday. Multiple sections of freeways, including a portion of I-880 in Oakland and the renowned Golden Gate Bridge, were blocked during the peak morning commute, causing hours of traffic congestion.

The demonstration began in the early morning when the northbound lanes of Interstate Highway 880 at 5th and Embarcadero in Oakland were occupied by protesters. Shortly after, both directions of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge faced a similar blockade. The resulting traffic delays affected countless commuters seeking to reach their destinations.

A subsequent demonstration by a group called A15 Action took place later in the morning, obstructing the entrance to the Port of Oakland. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported that the Oakland protest commenced at 6:30 a.m., with the Golden Gate Bridge demonstration starting an hour later. The Golden Gate Bridge reopened after noon, bringing relief to frustrated motorists.

Chanting slogans and waving flags, protesters in Oakland marked the highway's center median with the colors of Palestine. Riot-gear-clad CHP officers and law enforcement agencies, including the San Francisco police and the Alameda County Sheriff's Office, closely monitored the situation. Some demonstrators demanded an end to U.S. support of Israel, while others voiced concerns about the ongoing conflict and its impact on innocent lives.

Amidst the freeway blockades, several protesters were detained by law enforcement officials. CHP Officer Andrew Barclay explained that each situation required careful assessment to determine the appropriate response. Although specific numbers were not immediately provided, video footage captured officers escorting individuals in handcuffs along the highways.

The protesters emphasized their aim to draw attention to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, describing it as a genocide. They called for an economic blockade as a means to demand an end to the war and raise awareness about the devastating casualties in Gaza since October 7th. The demonstrators expressed a desire to disrupt the global economy, with Oakland being one of 56 cities worldwide where similar blockades are planned.

This is not the first time the Port of Oakland has been targeted by anti-Israel demonstrators, with previous protests occurring in January and November of last year. The list of cities where future blockades are anticipated includes Long Beach, Orange County, and San Diego, in addition to Oakland and the Bay Area.

As traffic came to a standstill and frustrated callers flooded local news stations, urging a resolution to the situation, KTVU reached out to Governor Gavin Newsom's office for comment. However, the governor's office deferred to the California Highway Patrol for information regarding the ongoing protests and the impending demonstrations in Southern California.

The 'Free Palestine' protesters have made a significant impact on the Bay Area's transportation infrastructure, causing disruption to daily commutes and bringing attention to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.