Palestine solidarity protesters block roads across the US in day of action to demand Gaza ceasefire

Some of the US's busiest roads, airports, and bridges were shut down yesterday - all for Palestine, and all for demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

The demonstrations, which were part of the coordinated Shut It Down For Palestine global day of action, saw thousands of protestors blocking San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, blocking traffic from Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, Los Angeles Block Shopping Center, weapons manufacturer Lockheed Martin in northern Virginia, and Fremont Tesla production facility.

The demonstrations in the US were also 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 $4 billion annually in aid to Israel, in addition to $1 billion for the Iron Dome defence system.

As Israel's relentless and brutal military campaign in Gaza continues, there are growing reports of starvation, dehydration, and preventable illnesses due to the combination of the breakdown of the enclave's healthcare system and Israel blocking the entry of food, water, electricity and humanitarian aid. Israel has killed at least 33,843 and injured 76,575 Palestinians since October 7, Gaza's health ministry has said in its latest daily update today.

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.