San Francisco police arrested 70 pro-Palestinian demonstrators on trespassing charges on Monday after they entered the lobby of the building housing the Israeli consulate and refused to leave, police said. The protesters, who were voicing opposition to Israel’s incursion into Gaza, had planned to stay until forcibly removed.
Police Respond to Protest
Kabul 24: Officers developed probable cause to arrest the 70 suspects who refused to vacate the building, according to a police statement. No injuries were reported. Police led protesters out of the building one by one and loaded them into police vehicles, their hands bound by zip ties, according to a Reuters witness.
Protesters’ Message
A group called the International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network said on Instagram that 100 people had participated in the protest.
The network, which says its membership is Jewish, posted images of banners they hung such as, “Committing a genocide makes Jews less safe; Not in my name!” The protesters were voicing their opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Israeli Consulate Responds
The Israeli consulate said it was “appalled, but not surprised” by the protesters who entered the lobby of the building where the consulate is located. The Israeli statement labeled the protesters “pro-Hamas rioters.” The consulate added that the police responded rapidly to the situation.
Tensions Remain High
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli groups in the United States. The protest and subsequent arrests are likely to fuel further debate and activism on both sides of the issue.
