Pro-Palestinian Protest Halts Military Ship Departure in Oakland
- Protesters demanding a cease-fire in the Israeli war in Gaza blocked a U.S. military supply ship from leaving the Port of Oakland for hours by attaching themselves to the vessel. The ship, Cape Orlando, was reportedly bound for Israel after being loaded with weapons and military equipment in Tacoma, Washington.
- The protest was organized by the San Francisco-based Arab Resource Organizing Center and involved about 200 people, many holding Palestinian flags and signs demanding an end to U.S. military aid to Israel. The protest began at 6:45 a.m. and continued until around 4:30 p.m., when the ship departed.
- Three protesters who climbed onto the vessel were detained by the U.S. Coast Guard, which has jurisdiction on the water. The Arab Resource Organizing Center has called on communities in other cities and countries to be alert for other vessels carrying similar cargo.
Protesters Demand Ceasefire, Block US Military Ship at Port of Oakland
Protesters demanding a stop to the Israeli war in Gaza hindered a US military supply ship at the Port of Oakland for several hours on Friday. By securing themselves to the ship, they effectively prevented its departure. The protesters also obstructed the entrance to Berth 20, where the container carrier Cape Orlando was moored.
The protest was orchestrated by the San Francisco-based Arab Resource Organizing Center (AROC). The police were present at the protest, which had about 200 participants, many waving Palestinian flags and signs demanding an end to US military aid to Israel.
Caption: Protesters attach themselves to the military supply ship Cape Orlando at the Port of Oakland, November 3, 2023. Credits: KPIX
The protest commenced at 6:45 a.m. and did not disrupt other cargo handling activities at the port, a spokesperson for the Port of Oakland confirmed. Oakland Police, in collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Port of Oakland, are monitoring the protest to ensure its peaceful nature. No arrests have been made as of Friday 2 p.m. The vessel departed the port at around 4:30 p.m., shortly after which the protesters dispersed.
It was reported by AROC that three protesters who climbed onto the vessel are currently under investigation by the U.S. Coast Guard. The real-time location of the vessel can be tracked online.
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