Gaza protesters partially block Embarcadero in San Francisco

Amy Larson
·2 min read
6

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Protesters blocked some lanes of San Francisco’s busy Embarcadero on Friday. People participating in the protest by Pier 32 stood in the Embarcadero’s northbound lanes around noon.

Protest organizers said they are denouncing an American military ship, USNS Harvey Milk, that they believe is slated to navigate out of the San Francisco Bay and make a voyage to war-torn Gaza. The massive ship was still in the SF Bay as of Friday afternoon.

Demonstrators are concerned that the ship may deliver supplies to help Israel’s military in the midst of the Hamas-Israeli war.

“It is outrageous and unacceptable that our government continues to fund and supply the Israeli military as it carries out genocide against the people of Gaza,” said Lara Kiswani of the Arab Resource and Organizing Center.

The US Navy vessel arrived in the bay Thursday by passing under the Golden Gate Bridge. U.S. Navy officials declined to confirm to KRON4 an exact destination for the war ship, only that it’s going to the Middle East.

Protesters stand on San Francisco’s Embarcadero on March 29, 2024. (KRON4 photo / Rob Nesbitt)
Protesters stand on San Francisco’s Embarcadero on March 29, 2024. (KRON4 photo / Rob Nesbitt)

According to the U.S. Navy’s website, USNS Harvey Milk routinely provides fuel, oil, food, and potable water to other Navy ships at sea. The vessel is operated by Military Sealift Command.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was among several officials who attended a ceremony on the ship Friday. Many protestors tried to scale the pier’s fence, despite warnings from police. Pelosi drove away shortly after protestors showed up.

“The clear majority of people in the country — and across the world — are opposed to Israel’s war in Palestine. Rather than celebrate this vessel’s participation in Israel’s violations of human rights and international law, Rep. Pelosi needs to represent her constituents and join the call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire now,” Kiswani said.

San Francisco police did not say if any arrests were made. By 3 p.m., traffic on the Embarcadero was not impacted.

Why was Bay Bridge blocked? Bridge protest explained

Friday’s protest follows a number of demonstrations around the Bay Area aimed at disrupting maritime activities that may support Israel’s war.

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