Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protestors, calling for a permanent ceasefire amid the Israel-Hamas war, blocked the Manhattan bridge on Sunday in New York City.
The demonstration caused heavy traffic in both directions between Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Pro-Palestinian Protestors Shut Down Manhattan Bridge
The New York Police Department reported hundreds of protestors, including the anti-Zionist group Jewish Voice For Peace (JVP), blocking the Manhattan bridge. The police arrested several people, but the NYPD spokesperson said the confirmed number of people arrested was not immediately available.
Since the October 7 attack, the demonstration on Manhattan bridge was followed by a series of orchestrated pro-ceasefire disruptions, including sit-ins at Grand Central station that also resulted in traffic and commuter disruption.
The report said loud horns and screams were heard during the demonstration as cars loaded onto the bridge. "I support their protest, but I don't think it's a good idea to close the bridge," a man on the bridge told Fox News.
The protestors chanted, "Let Gaza live," and other messages that called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. JVP spokesperson Jay Saper said the US government could not ignore the polling and the demonstrations as most Americans called for a permanent ceasefire.
He added that they knew that business-as-usual could not continue while the US government was continuously funding and fueling genocidal attacks against the Palestinians of Gaza.
"We know that taking mass action is necessary to help build international outcry that can stop the bombings permanently," he said.
The mass protests made it impossible for politicians to continue to support the actions of Israel unless they were willing to withstand escalating pressure. Saper assured that they would continue to speak out until all Palestinians were free.
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Ceasefire Amid Israel-Hamas War
On Monday, Saper announced the two-day extension of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The militants freed 11 more hostages, who were handed over directly to Israel, while others left through Egypt.
The series of mass protests in US cities and Western capitals made it possible and effective to continue the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Egypt sent two delegations to monitor the ceasefire in Tel Aviv and Gaza. But they were also looking for ways to maintain the pause permanently.
President Biden said that the ceasefire brought genuine opportunity for progress. The European Union also said in the statement that they commend Egypt, the UN, the US, and others who played a role in facilitating the temporary ceasefire.
China also supported Israel and Hamas to continue the ceasefire. Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said both sides must find a durable solution to the conflict.
