'Welcome to Hell week': Chicago braces for mass protests for Palestine as DNC begins

Authorities are bracing for a week of mass protests and disruptions at the Democratic National Convention (DNC), with tens of thousands of anti-war and pro-Palestinian demonstrators descending on the city to demand the US halt support for Israel's war on Gaza.

Security around the perimeter of the DNC in Chicago has already been beefed up with the US Secret Service, together with local law enforcement, building "a wall" around the main convention centre.

Residents in neighbourhoods around the two main arenas hosting DNC activities, the United Center and McCormick Place, also reported seeing road closures and several barriers go up.

On Monday, more than 270 organisations under the banner "The Coalition to March on the DNC" say they will march for an end to US support for Israel, amongst a string of demands from the Democratic Party.

Read more: 'Welcome to Hell week': Chicago braces for mass protests for Palestine as DNC begins

Police officer takes a photo in front of mural of Democratic presidential nominee US Vice President Kamala Harris outside United Center ahead of Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois, 17 on August 2024 (Charly Triballeu/AFP) — Police officer takes a photo in front of mural of Democratic presidential nominee US Vice President Kamal Harris ahead of the DNC in Chicago, Illinois, 17 on August 2024 (Charly Triballeu/AFP)