Authorities in San Francisco initiated procedures on 18 December to press charges against 80 individuals who participated in a pro-Palestine demonstration that involved the obstruction of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge last month.

According to  Al-Mayadeen, 17 of the 80 prosecuted individuals showed up in court under false charges. The protestors reportedly refused to comply with the demands of police officers surrounding the demonstration in addition to illegally obstructing streets and sidewalks.

The demonstration was orchestrated by organizations IfNotNow and Jewish Voice for Peace Action.

Hundreds of supporters rallied outside the courthouse just as the arraignment of the prosecuted individuals was about to start, showing their solidarity. They voiced their demands with chants and banners that read "Free Free Palestine," "Biden: Ceasefire Now," and “Drop the Charges!”

According to a poll published on 19 December by the New York Times, 48 percent of young US voters subscribe to the notion that the Israeli military is intentionally targeting civilians in Gaza.