Protesters demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza were arrested in Portland on Friday.

According to the Portland Press Herald, the group made up of around 100 people blocked both Exit 7 ramps at Franklin Street and Marginal Way at around 1:30 in the afternoon, impacting traffic. 11 people were arrested in total, with those arrested ranging in age from their 20’s to their 70’s.  The roadway was reopened afterwards.

The group of protesters was led by the “Maine Coalition for Palestine”, which is made up of several groups including “Maine Voices for Palestinian Rights” and “Students for Justice in Palestine”.

Maine Coalition for Palestine organizer Ash Hebert says that pro-Palestinian groups in Maine have tried spreading its message or reaching out to officials in peaceful ways before, but were largely ignored or condemned.

More than 27,000 Palestinians in Gaza, both civilians and combatants, have been killed since Israel launched its offensive following the Oct. 7 attack, a figure reported by the Hamas-controlled Palestinian Health Ministry and by the United Nations.

69-year-old protester Lisa Savage was arrested during the event, but sad she’d get arrested again if it meant Gaza gets the public’s attention

“Israel’s genocide on Gaza is happening right before our eyes,” she said. “We are trying to get the public’s attention and demand that the U.S. government stop supporting genocide. Our message is no business as usual until there is a cease-fire in Gaza.”

To read the original Portland Press Herald article, click here.