Peace Activists at Port of Oakland: A Call for Ceasefire in Gaza In a powerful demonstration at the Port of Oakland, peace activists gathered to demand a ceasefire in Gaza. Some activists went as far as chaining themselves to a federal ship as a symbol of their commitment to peace. A large banner displayed at the protest read, “No US military aid to Israel,” highlighting their call for a change in policy. The “Cease Fire Now Action” activists marched on the dock beside Cape Orlando, a reserve U.S. military vessel, while holding up Palestinian flags. Their chants of “Oakland Port blood on your hands” and “We charge you with genocide” were directed towards the crew members on the ship. Law enforcement officers, including members of the U.S. Coast Guard, responded to the scene to maintain order. Organizers from the Arab Resource and Organizing Center (AROC) stated that they believe the ship is bound for Israel. In a statement, an AROC spokesperson said, “Community members demanding a ceasefire in the Israeli war against Gaza are blocking the entrance to Berth 20 at the Port of Oakland, where the Cape Orlando, a US military supply vessel bound for Israel, is currently waiting to depart. Several protestors have locked themselves to the ship.” As of noon, Cape Orlando was still moored at the Port of Oakland, according to a live Marine Traffic map. The Port of Oakland spokesperson assured that there has been no disruption to port container operations or the flow of commerce at the Oakland Seaport. Activists expressed their belief that Cape Orlando’s next stop will be Tacoma, WA, where it will be loaded with military equipment before sailing to Israel. They called on communities in cities across the country and the world to be on alert for vessels carrying similar cargo, urging action and solidarity. The ongoing conflict between Israeli troops and Hamas militants has caused significant loss of life, with the Palestinian death toll rising above 9,000. In light of the destruction and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the United States has pledged support for Israel while advocating for increased aid to be allowed into the region. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is heading to the region for talks, following President Joe Biden’s suggestion for a humanitarian “pause” in the fighting to facilitate the entry of aid for Palestinians and the evacuation of foreign nationals and wounded. The demonstration at the Port of Oakland serves as a reminder that communities around the world are paying attention to the situation in Gaza and calling for peace. It highlights the power of collective action and the urgent need for a ceasefire to prevent further loss of life and alleviate the humanitarian crisis. Let us stand in solidarity with those advocating for peace and justice, and hope that diplomatic efforts can bring about a resolution to the conflict. (Note: This article reflects the viewpoint of peace activists and does not provide a comprehensive analysis of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict or the perspectives of all stakeholders involved.)