SEATTLE, WA – (KGMI.com) Protesters calling for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war blocked northbound traffic on I-5 in Seattle for several hours on Saturday.

The demonstration began around 1 pm, with additional protesters cheering from a nearby overpass.

WSDOT says traffic was backed up for more than 6 miles at one point.

Seattle police gave a dispersal order a few hours into the demonstration.

Protesters left the freeway around 4:45 pm as stormy weather, including hail, moved through the area.

Washington State Patrol Trooper Rick Johnson said 12 unattended vehicles were left behind after the protest cleared.

The roadway reopened around 6 pm after they were towed away.

WSP Chief John Batiste added that while people have the right to free speech and assembly, the freeway system is not a safe or legal place to exercise those rights.

State Patrol’s ongoing investigation could result in charges being made, though no physical arrests were made at the time of the protest.