Updated 12 p.m. Wednesday
At least 200 pro-Palestinian protesters blocked security gates and traffic into San Francisco International Airport’s International Terminal Wednesday morning, demanding a permanent cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war that continues to rage in Gaza.
Starting just after 8 a.m., two groups of protesters gathered in front of SFO’s A and G international gates, linking arms and holding banners that read “Stop the World for Gaza,” “Permanent Ceasefire,” and “Stop Arming Israel,” while another group blocked drop-off traffic outside the terminal, hoisting red “Stop Bombing Gaza” signs.
Joshua Caldwell, a protest organizer, said the people involved in the protest were not part of a formal group or organization but were rather a collection of Bay Area residents who did not want to see the United States support of Israel’s bombing campaign continue.
“We don’t want to take action like this,” Caldwell said, noting that participants felt compelled to stop what he called a genocide in Gaza. “We’ll be here as long as possible,” he added.
The United States is Israel’s largest military supplier, and pro-Palestinian protesters have frequently targeted the Biden administration for its ongoing support of Israel.
“Protesters will stay for at least 158 minutes to mark 158 days of a bombardment on Gaza,” said Emily Katz, another protester, who wore a “Jews say ceasefire now” T-shirt.
SFO spokesperson Doug Yakel said in an email that airport operations were unaffected but that some passengers were given alternate routes. He did not confirm how many people were present and what security measures could be taken against them.
“Protest activity in the International Terminal, terminal remains open, rerouting passengers around the activity,” he said.
Flights were being rerouted to other gates, and no arrests have been made so far, according to SFO officials.
