In the heart of San Francisco's Financial District on Monday, tensions flared as protesters were arrested after occupying the lobby of the Consulate General of "Israel", the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

The demonstration, fueled by outrage over the ongoing genocide in Gaza, saw San Francisco police violently intervene.

San Francisco Police Lieutenant Jesse Cruz estimated that approximately 70 individuals had entered the consulate building's ground floor.

In response to an international solidarity call from students in Gaza, San Francisco Bay Area People of Conscience have taken control of the Israeli Consulate. pic.twitter.com/tKUbPa4rzJ

— PALESTINE ONLINE 🇵🇸 (@OnlinePalEng) June 3, 2024

As the protest escalated, police issued warnings to the demonstrators, advising them to vacate the premises or face arrest. But the latter refused to comply and expressed their intention to stay until forcibly removed.

The scene unfolded as police officers, equipped with zip-ties, began escorting protesters out of the building. Among the demonstrators were individuals who affixed signs to the consulate's glass doors, reading, "Anti-Zionism is not Anti-Semitism."

Nearly 100 anti-genocide protesters have occupied the Israeli Consulate in San Francisco for over an hour.

Read more: Brazil recalls its ambassador to 'Israel' due to Gaza genocide

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Sara, a San Francisco resident, described the diverse composition of the demonstrators and mentioned their shared stance against injustice.

She also voiced their desire to hold political leaders, including House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, accountable for their inaction.

"While we regret the inconvenience to people who are here for the Colombian [consulate], these kind of devastating and catastrophic times of genocide require strong action," Sara said. 

Read more: Global protests take over weekend in solidarity with Gaza

Protesters have previously closed San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge in protest of the genocide, with overhead imagery showing the whole span congested in one way while lanes in the other were vacant. 

The first attempt occurred on February 20 and the second on April 15.