The Golden Gate Bridge was reopened to traffic on Monday afternoon after a pro-Palestinian protest brought the iconic span to a standstill for hours. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) successfully reopened the bridge to southbound traffic shortly after 12:15 p.m. However, northbound traffic experienced a temporary hold as authorities cleared the area occupied by demonstrators. Both directions of the bridge were fully reopened by approximately 12:20 p.m.

According to the CHP, residual delays were expected as a result of the protest. The bridge demonstration marked the second incident impacting traffic on Bay Area freeways that day. The initial disruption occurred earlier that morning when a pro-Palestinian protest caused the closure of all lanes on I-880 in Oakland.

During the bridge protest, southbound traffic came to a complete halt, causing a significant backup through the Robin Williams Tunnel and extending well beyond Sausalito on southbound Highway 101. Although some reports suggested that protesters also attempted to disrupt traffic on the northbound side, vehicles appeared to be able to pass through the span in that direction.

Chopper footage captured the scene on the Golden Gate Bridge, revealing protesters displaying a banner across the southbound lanes that read "STOP THE WORLD FOR GAZA." The video showed a lack of traffic movement in the northbound lanes. While the demonstration only occupied the southbound lanes, the CHP may have closed the northbound lanes temporarily as they worked to disperse the protest.

Footage from the chopper showed protesters being detained shortly before 10:30 a.m., although the bridge remained closed at that time. CHP advised drivers in the southbound back-up on Highway 101 to turn around as efforts were made to alleviate the traffic congestion. By noon, tow trucks were on-site to remove vehicles that had been used by the protesters to block lanes.

In total, 20 individuals were arrested during the two protests, as confirmed by the CHP around 11:45 a.m. Beyond these events, further demonstrations were planned for later in the day. Bay City News Service reported that a protest organized by the Group Code Pink was scheduled to take place at UN Plaza and Market and Hyde streets in San Francisco at noon. Additionally, the A15Action group had planned an action at the Tesla factory in Fremont at 5:30 p.m.

As the traffic disruptions caused by the pro-Palestinian protests come to an end, officials urge commuters to remain cautious and expect delays as the situation stabilizes.