Demonstrators for ceasefire in Gaza blocks roads, building across US

On Monday, protesters advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza blocked roads and buildings in coordinated demonstrations in cities across the US and around the world.

The demonstrations, which some groups called Shut it Down for Palestine, included blocking San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, blocking traffic from Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, and demonstrating in front of a corporate building of the weapons manufacturer Lockheed Martin in northern Virginia.

An initiative called A15 Action said on its website that it was "A proposal to coordinate a multi-city economic blockade on April 15th in solidarity with Palestine recently received overwhelming commitments to participate around the US and internationally."

The demonstrations in the US were planned to coincide with tax day, when annual taxes are due on 15 April. A key grievance in pro-Palestinian demonstrations in the US is that American taxpayers pay nearly US$4 billion annually in aid to Israel, in addition to US$1 billion for the Iron Dome defence system and supplemental aid packages. 

A bill currently awaiting a floor vote in the House would give US$14 billion in supplemental aid to Israel. Many protesters have been targeting this major aid package in their demonstrations, which they believe could prolong and intensify Israel's bombardment of Gaza.

Since the 7 October surprise attack on Israeli military bases and civilian settlements led by Hamas, which killed around 1,200 people in Israel, Israeli attacks have killed around 34,000 Palestinians in Gaza, most of them women and children. 

As Israel's bombardments and siege on Gaza continue, there are growing reports of starvation, dehydration and preventable illnesses due to the breakdown of the enclave's healthcare system. Multiple human rights groups have described Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide.

Pro-Palestinian activists have vowed to continue various forms of protest until their demands are met, which generally begins with a ceasefire, an end to unconditional US aid to Israel and an end to the siege on Gaza.