Flight delays and traffic disruptions occurred in major US cities as protesters intensified their calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.

On Monday, thousands of individuals across the US staged protests denouncing Israel's assault on Gaza, resulting in airport closures and traffic disruptions in key cities spanning from New York to San Francisco.

Protesters obstructed a section of the Kennedy Expressway leading to Chicago O'Hare International Airport, causing significant disruption for travelers. NBC Chicago reported instances of individuals abandoning their vehicles to walk to the airport amid the demonstration. Flight delays ensued, prompting the arrest of numerous protesters.

Similarly, in the San Francisco Bay Area, morning commuters encountered disruptions on two major highways—southbound 101 across the Golden Gate Bridge and northbound 880 in Oakland—as demonstrators advocated for a ceasefire and an end to US support for Israel. Traffic flow has since returned to normal.

Protests also unfolded in other cities, including New York and Philadelphia, where demonstrators were arrested for blocking streets, notably on the Brooklyn Bridge.

Near Seattle, a demonstration resulted in the closure of the main road to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, with social media images depicting individuals holding banners and Palestinian flags while standing on the highway.

Oregon state police reported the arrest of 52 protesters for disorderly conduct following a demonstration on Interstate 5 in Eugene, approximately 110 miles (177km) south of Portland. Six vehicles were towed from the scene.

These protests were among many worldwide since Israel's violent actions in the Palestinian territory began last year.

Following the 7th of October attacks on Israel by Hamas fighters, which resulted in over a thousand casualties and hundreds of hostages, the Israeli government launched a relentless assault on the densely populated Gaza Strip. This onslaught has led to the deaths of over 30,000 individuals, including many women and children.

Despite numerous calls for a ceasefire from various countries and a directive from the UN's top court, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), to prevent genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and to "prevent and punish the direct and public incitement to commit genocide," Israel has not withdrawn its forces.

Instead, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have continued their military operations and obstructed humanitarian aid from reaching Gaza, leaving Palestinians at risk of famine and facing an almost completely destroyed healthcare infrastructure.

According to the UN, out of the 36 hospitals in Gaza, only a dozen are partially functional, while the others lie in ruins.