Pro-Palestinian protestors block Port of Tacoma military ship

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered Monday to delay a cargo boat believed to contain weapons bound for Israel.

Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered in front of the entrance to the Port of Tacoma, Monday afternoon, in an attempt to block a ship, the Cape Orlando, they believe is set to deliver weapons and military supplies to Israel. Demonstrators have been marching since 5 a.m. and more people and food donations have arrived over the course of the day. (Genna Martin/Crosscut)

protesters walk around at the Port of Tacoma

Pro-Palestinian protesters at the Port of Tacoma on Nov. 6, 2023. (Genna Martin/Crosscut)

A gray ship sits on a pier, a sign in the foreground reads Free All Palestinian Political Prisoners

The Cape Orlando sits at the Port of Tacoma on Monday afternoon as protesters block the entrances. (Genna Martin/Crosscut)

Pro-Palestinian protesters at the Port of Tacoma on Nov. 6, 2023. (Genna Martin/Crosscut)

A woman helps her friend put on her keffiyeh during the protest at the Port of Tacoma. (Genna Martin/Crosscut)

A table full of food donations that arrived over the course of the day on Monday. (Genna Martin/Crosscut)

Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters gather at the Port of Tacoma

Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered at the Port of Tacoma on Nov. 6. (Genna Martin/Crosscut)

A person sits on the ground holding a singing bowl

Julie-C uses a singing bowl as hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered in front of the entrance to the Port of Tacoma on Monday afternoon in an attempt to block a ship, the Cape Orlando, they believe is set to deliver weapons and military supplies to Israel. (Genna Martin/Crosscut)

Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters blocked the entrance to the Port of Tacoma on Nov. 6. (Genna Martin/Crosscut)

Pentagon spokesman Jeff Jurgensen said the Defense Department was aware of the protest and acknowledged that the vessel was part of the U.S. Navy’s efforts to move military cargo, but because of security could not provide further details about the cargo or where it was going.

“We work closely with interagency partners, to include the Department of Transportation, the U.S. Coast Guard and local law enforcement – as appropriate – to ensure the security and safety of military assets and personnel operating at commercial port facilities,” Jurgensen said.

On Friday, protesters briefly blocked that ship from leaving a port in Oakland, according to a report by CBS News. In response, the U.S. Coast Guard ultimately removed three people from the ship, according to a news release.

The attack by Hamas militants on Israelis and the Israeli military’s ensuing bombardment of the Gaza Strip, which is home to Palestinians, has sparked uproar across the world. In the Seattle area, Muslims and Jews have shared worries about increases in both Islamophobia and antisemitism and the possibility of hate crimes.

Monday’s port blockade in Tacoma comes after thousands of demonstrators rallied Saturday at the Washington state Capitol in support of Palestinians. Carrying signs bearing slogans like “Imagine peace” and “Free Palestine,” they chanted for a cease-fire and against Gov. Jay Inslee and President Joe Biden, whom they dubbed “genocide Joe.”