In a show of solidarity with the ongoing war in Gaza, activists took to the streets and shut down major highways in San Francisco and the East Bay on Monday morning.

According to San Francisco's Emergency Management Department, protesters made their presence known by blocking all southbound lanes of the Golden Gate Bridge on Highway 101. The demonstration began at around 7:30 a.m. and caused significant disruptions to traffic flow. The protesters, numbering in the dozens, demanded an immediate end to U.S. support, both in terms of arming and funding Israel's involvement in the conflict.

As a result of the protest, the California Highway Patrol issued a Sig-alert at approximately 8:10 a.m., effectively closing off the southbound direction of the bridge. Subsequently, the northbound lanes were also closed, along with the suspension of pedestrian and bicycle traffic on the bridge. The closure lasted for an extended period, causing frustration among commuters and travelers.

Simultaneously, similar demonstrations took place in the East Bay region. Northbound lanes on Interstate 880 at Fifth Avenue in Oakland faced a complete blockade for several hours, generating further disruptions. Additionally, another protest emerged on I-880 at I-980 farther north in Oakland.

The protests in San Francisco and the East Bay are a reflection of the intense emotions surrounding the war in Gaza. Demonstrators are demanding an immediate cessation of U.S. support to Israel, given the ongoing violence and loss of civilian lives in the region. These demonstrations underscore the power of collective action as activists strive to raise awareness and voice their concerns about the conflict.

It remains to be seen how these demonstrations will impact public opinion and political decision-making in the United States. As protests continue, authorities will need to balance the right to protest with ensuring the safety and flow of traffic for all commuters.