San Francisco International Airport (SFO) faced significant disruptions as hundreds of protesters gathered to demand a ceasefire in Gaza, leading to blockages of traffic and security checkpoints inside the airport’s international terminal. The demonstration, organized by a group called Critical Resistance, aimed to draw attention to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and call for an end to U.S. aid to Israel.
The protesters, wielding banners with messages such as “Stop the World for Gaza,” converged on SFO early in the day, with over 300 individuals participating in the demonstration. Some protesters chained themselves to escalators connecting the international and domestic terminals, while others blocked TSA security lines and access to certain airport gates, including Gate G at the international terminal.
Videos captured scenes of disruption both inside and outside the airport, with demonstrators chanting slogans and marching in the streets. The protest caused significant congestion and delays, prompting concerns about the impact on travelers and airport operations. However, despite the disruptions, there were no reports of violence or confrontations between protesters and airport staff or law enforcement.
The protest organizers emphasized that the participants were not affiliated with any specific organization but were Bay Area residents united in their call for a cessation of hostilities in Gaza and an end to U.S. military aid to Israel. Their actions aimed to raise awareness about the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza and pressure policymakers to take action to address the root causes of the conflict.
In response to the protest, SFO officials worked to mitigate the disruptions and restore normalcy to airport operations. After several hours of demonstration, including blockades of roadways and security checkpoints, SFO announced that all roadways, terminals, and checkpoints had been reopened. However, travelers were advised to allow extra time for security screening and to navigate through the airport due to residual delays.
The protest at SFO underscores the deep divisions and passionate opinions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, both domestically and internationally. As tensions persist in the region, demonstrations like these serve as a reminder of the importance of civil discourse and peaceful protest in advocating for change on complex geopolitical issues.
