Supportive gatherings advocating for Palestine materialized at two of the United States' busiest airports, namely Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), during the morning hours on Wednesday, according to reports. The protests, expressing solidarity with the Palestinian cause, unfolded during the local time in the United States.
At LAX, the situation reportedly took a more contentious turn, with protesters resorting to violence, as outlined by the Los Angeles Police Department. Instances of aggression included the throwing of a police officer to the ground and the utilization of various items such as construction debris and concrete blocks to obstruct a road leading into the airport. The police's social media post detailed the protesters' actions, mentioning their engagement in attacks on bystanders within vehicles. In response to the turmoil, law enforcement arrested a total of 36 individuals, with the majority facing charges related to rioting. Additionally, one person was specifically apprehended for battery of a police officer. Despite the disruptive events, the airport police managed to reopen the entrance approximately 45 minutes later, asserting that there was no discernible impact on flight operations.
Simultaneously, at JFK Airport in New York, 26 individuals were taken into custody for charges related to disorderly conduct and impeding vehicular traffic. Protesters had reportedly blocked the Van Wyck Expressway, causing substantial traffic congestion. The Port Authority dispatched two buses to transport stranded travelers to the airport terminals, and after around 20 minutes, authorities successfully cleared the roadway. Banners carried by the protesters featured slogans such as "Free Palestine" and "Divest from Genocide," reflecting their opposition to Israeli military actions in Gaza.
These demonstrations are part of a larger series of protests that have unfolded since the commencement of hostilities between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas on October 7. The expressions of solidarity and dissent at major U.S. airports highlight the resonance of the ongoing geopolitical conflict within the international community.
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