Pro-Palestinian Demonstrators Block Freeway to Chicago O’Hare International Airport
CHICAGO (AP): Pro-Palestinian demonstrators caused chaos for travelers on Monday morning as they blocked a freeway leading to three Chicago O’Hare International Airport terminals. The protesters linked arms and blocked lanes of Interstate 190 as part of a global “economic blockade to free Palestine”, according to organizer Rifqa Falaneh.
The demonstration not only affected traffic in Chicago but also caused disruptions in the San Francisco Bay Area. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators shut down both directions of the Golden Gate Bridge and stalled a 17-mile stretch of Interstate 880 in Oakland.
Travelers were advised to seek alternative forms of transportation as car travel was substantially delayed due to the protest activity. Some stranded travelers even left their cars and walked along the freeway to reach the airport, dragging their luggage behind them.
Despite the inconvenience, operations at the airport appeared to be near normal, with only minor delays reported. Inbound traffic towards O’Hare resumed around 9 a.m. However, dozens of protesters were arrested in Chicago, according to Falaneh.
The protesters called for an immediate ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas and chose O’Hare as a target due to its status as one of the largest airports. The demonstration highlighted the ongoing tensions in the Middle East and the impact it has on communities around the world.