LOS ANGELES (CNS) – A group of protesters calling for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war and an end to U.S. military support of Israel marched onto the southbound San Diego (405) Freeway in West Los Angeles Tuesday, halting traffic and creating a miles-long backup at the tail end of the morning rush hour.
The protesters, organized in part by the group IfNotNow Los Angeles, walked onto the freeway around 9 a.m. in the area of Venice Boulevard, creating an instant backup of traffic south of the Santa Monica (10) Freeway.
California Highway Patrol officers quickly responded to the scene, and the group was quickly moved out of traffic lanes. The group, consisting of several dozen people, could then be seen marching south along the freeway shoulder and being escorted off the roadway under the watch of CHP officers.
There were no reports of injuries or arrests.
“American Jews and allies have shut down the 405 freeway in West Los Angeles in protest of U.S. support for Israel’s assault on Gaza,” according to a statement from the organizers. “With one week to go before the Democratic National Convention, protesters are coalescing around three demands for all elected officials: call for a lasting ceasefire, reject the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, and legislate an arms embargo.
“This act of solidarity with the Palestinian people takes place on the Jewish fast day of Tisha B’Av, often described as the saddest day in the Jewish calendar, and is dedicated to the mourning of dead civilians and the destruction of holy sites.”
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