Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters closed part of the San Francisco International Airport, one of the largest in the United States, this Wednesday to demand an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
Pro-Arab demonstrators gathered in front of the International Terminal’s departure level around 9 am, moving their protest to the security screening area inside the terminal, according to CBS News. Waving Palestinian flags and carrying banners that declared “Stop the World for Gaza” and “Stop Arming Israel,” the demonstrators chanted “Free Palestine” as they marched in a circle.
The San Francisco Police Department, tasked with law enforcement at the airport, stated that their officers “facilitated and monitored First Amendment activity.” They also extended their thanks to various police agencies for their collaborative support, per The San Francisco Standard.
Airports have become focal points for pro-Arab demonstrations in recent days. On Sunday, a group of pro-Arab activists occupied the departure halls of Dublin’s Shannon Airport for about 90 minutes. They accused the Irish government of using the airport to transport US weapons to Israel. It followed an unconfirmed report by the Irish Examiner last week, stating that Transport Minister Eamon Ryan had granted permission for 910 flights carrying US weapons bound for Israel to fly through Irish airspace.
