Queers for Palestine protesters were arrested for blocking the exit from Disney World in Orlando

NEW DELHI: A small group of protesters from Queers for Palestine, a Florida-based organization, were arrested on Saturday, May 11, after blocking the road to Disney World. The protesters, wearing traditional Palestinian headscarves, blocked the Disney exit on Interstate 4 in Orlando with their vehicles and accused the company of “supporting genocide.” They shouted slogans like “Free, Free Palestine” and held banners over the ramp.

“The “Queers For Palestine” protesters who blocked the freeway exit to Disney World in Orlando, Florida were arrested by the Florida Highway Patrol. I was told they were arrested within 11 minutes. Florida continues zero tolerance for traffic blockages. “Fox News reporter posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Some drivers tried to get around the protesters by using the shoulder of the highway. In a viral video circulating on social media, a frustrated driver confronted protesters saying, “You are losing people to your cause by doing this… Think a little. You’re making people actually hate you.” The protester responded aggressively, calling the driver a “genocide sympathizer” and claiming that 45,000 people had died. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, nearly 35,000 Palestinians have lost their lives since Hamas began an attack on Israel on October 7.

The group claims that Disney supports Israel without acknowledging the Palestinian lives lost in what they call an ongoing genocide. They also criticized the company for introducing an Israeli superhero in the upcoming film “Captain America: Brave New World,” scheduled for release in 2025, the New York Post reported. The organization shared several Instagram stories calling for a boycott of Disney.

(With contributions from agencies)