Hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators shut down Vancouver streets

Hundreds of demonstrators marched from Vancouver City Hall towards the Cambie Street Bridge Sunday afternoon to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

A moving mass of people travelled from city hall to the Cambie Street Bridge, shutting down traffic as they went. It’s one of dozens of demonstrations happening across Canada Sunday on a pan-Canadian day of action.

Vancouver Police travelled with the crowd, staying on the outskirts to guide them and ensure traffic wasn’t interfering with the demonstration.

Holding signs and flags, ralliers sang, chanted and shouted to get their message across. CityNews spoke to several protestors, who say they showed up because they want freedom for Palestinians and they want Canada to call for a ceasefire in Gaza immediately.

Sacia, a demonstrator, says she’s shocked Canada hasn’t offered its support for a ceasefire already.

“Enough is enough, you need to call for a ceasefire right now,” she said.

In a press conference on Nov. 9, Prime Minister Trudeau says Canada has been calling for significant “humanitarian pauses” for weeks, and it supports a “two-state solution.” He adds Canada would like to see both states reach a place where they’re both secure and able to flourish.

In Vancouver, the large volume of demonstrators blocked northbound traffic on Cambie Street and the bridge as they moved along, leading to congestion on other streets parallel to Cambie.

Demonstrator Janine Solanki told the crowds that Sunday’s day of action is particularly special, because it’s taking place on the holiday Diwali, also known as the festival of lights.

“Diwali is a day that represents good over evil, light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, so what better thing to be doing today than to be marching with all of you to demand free Palestine.”

-With files from David Nadalini