Photo by Ray Roa
Pro-Palestinian protesters in Tampa, Florida on April 15, 2024.
Two vehicles stopped traffic on the corner of Ashley Drive and Zack Street in Tampa for approximately 15 minutes before two unmarked police cars arrived and moved the drivers to the right lane.
The drivers were issued citations, although it’s still unclear what they were ticketed for.
The actions come on the same day as a global strike where people refrain from taking part in aspects of daily life like work, school, and spending to express solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza where the U.N. says famine is inevitable.
The protest, which a press release says started at nearby Lykes Gaslight Square Park, also comes days after Israeli defense forces intercepted hundreds of drones and missiles launched by Iran over the weekend. NPR reported that, “Iranian officials said the attack was in response to an airstrike from earlier this month that hit Iran's consulate in Damascus, Syria. Seven Iranian military officials, including two generals, were killed.”
Protesters chanted “Israel, you can't hide. You’re committing genocide,” and “Israel bombs, USA pays, how many kids did you kill today,” alluding to aid the U.S. has sent more military aid to Israel (more than any other country since WWII, according to the Washington Post), and more than 13,000 children who’ve been killed since last fall, according to the Associated Press.
In all, more than 33,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since Oct. 7 when Hamas, a terrorist group that has long-controlled Haza, launched an attack that killed around 1,200.
It's not the first time activists have blocked traffic in their calls for ceasefire. In December, hundreds were in the street calling for “Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions.”
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Photos: Pro-Palestine activists stop traffic in downtown Tampa as part of worldwide global strike
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