Gaza Sympathizers Block 405 Freeway in West LA, Causing Major Traffic Chaos

A group of protesters supporting a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict and opposing U.S. military aid to Israel took their cause to the streets of Los Angeles, literally. On Tuesday morning, they disrupted traffic on the 405 Freeway in West LA, causing a significant backup that stretched for miles during rush hour, as reported by Fox LA.

🚨#BREAKING: Multiple Pro Palestine protesters and other activists are occupying and have shut down the 405 freeway causing major traffic congestions

📌#LosAngeles | #California

Currently, around 50 to 100 pro-Palestine protesters and activists are occupying the 405 freeway… pic.twitter.com/URulHcVyat

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At approximately 9 a.m., the protesters, who demanded an end to American support for Israel, boldly walked onto the freeway near Venice Boulevard, leading to an instant traffic jam just south of the 10 Freeway. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) quickly responded, removing the demonstrators from the freeway and guiding them to the shoulder. SkyFOX captured footage of the group marching on the shoulder before CHP officers escorted them away from the freeway altogether. Thankfully, no injuries were reported during the incident.

According to a statement from the organizers, the protest was led by “American Jews and allies” to express their opposition to U.S. support for what they called “Israel’s assault on Gaza.” The statement further emphasized that the demonstration was part of a broader effort leading up to the Democratic National Convention, with demands for elected officials to push for a lasting ceasefire, reject the influence of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), and enact an arms embargo on Israel.

The protest coincided with the Jewish fast day of Tisha B’Av, a day of mourning for the destruction of holy sites and the loss of lives, adding a symbolic layer to the demonstration. Despite the disruption, the protesters’ actions were met with swift law enforcement intervention, and several individuals were detained by CHP officers.