San Francisco, California, has seen a wave of protests related to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, with numerous demonstrations taking place across the city. On November 11, 2024, another significant protest unfolded, beginning with a march at Harry Bridges Plaza, followed by a rally and street mural painting outside Senator Padilla’s office. Protesters are demanding an end to U.S. weapons sales to Israel. Here’s a recap of recent events, along with some historical context:
Recent Protests in San Francisco
- October 6, 2024: Over 1,000 protesters marched through San Francisco’s Mission District, marking one year since the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas. They called for an end to the conflict and an arms embargo against Israel, according to the SF Standard.
- March 16, 2024: Thousands of demonstrators gathered in San Francisco as part of a global day of action. The protest demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the cessation of U.S. support for Israel, as reported by ABC News and News San Francisco.
- January 16, 2024: The San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, making San Francisco the largest U.S. city to officially back a ceasefire at that time.
Although most protests have remained peaceful, some isolated incidents of tension have occurred. On March 16, 2024, a confrontation took place near the Israeli consulate, where protesters clashed with police. Allegations arose that law enforcement had used pepper spray and batons against demonstrators, as reported by ABC 7 News.