Pro-Palestinian demonstrators were detained by police on Monday after occupying the lobby of a San Francisco building that houses the Israeli Consulate. The exact number of people detained remains unclear, but witnesses reported at least a dozen individuals being zip-tied and taken away in a police van.
The group of protesters entered the building and posted signs calling for an end to the Israel-Hamas war. Despite multiple warnings from police to vacate the premises, the demonstrators remained inside until law enforcement intervened.
The Consul General of Israel to the Pacific Northwest confirmed that the protesters did not breach the consulate's offices but disrupted operations, prompting the rescheduling of appointments. San Francisco police maintained a presence outside the building, restricting public access.
Protesters expressed their intention to remain until forcibly removed, leading to a police response. Videos and images shared on social media depicted demonstrators chanting slogans in support of Palestine.
International criticism of Israel has intensified due to its military actions in Gaza, resulting in a significant loss of civilian lives. The United Nations has raised concerns about a potential risk of genocide in Gaza, an allegation vehemently denied by Israel.
