Thousands gather in Vancouver to call for permanent ceasefire in Israel Hamas war
Thousands gathered for another rally on Vancouver’s streets Saturday to call for an end to war in the Middle East.
The ‘All Out for Palestine’ march began at 2 p.m. at the Vancouver Art Gallery. According to organizers, the rally was held in solidarity with a national march in Ottawa taking place the same day.
Organizers add this march was to be led by children and their parents, “in solidarity with the children of Palestine.” Surrounding streets were closed by police due to the demonstration.
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Meanwhile, fighting in Gaza continues to be on hold as Saturday marks day two of a four-day ceasefire, agreed to by Israel’s Cabinet in exchange for the release of hostages being held by Hamas.
The Israeli military says 13 Israelis and four Thais being held by Hamas were transferred to Israel late Saturday afternoon.
This comes shortly after Israel began releasing 39 Palestinians to east Jerusalem and the West Bank as part of the swap that ultimately went through after international mediation efforts.
Despite the temporary pause, demonstrators continue to call for a permanent end to the war.
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Another moving rally, titled #Bike4Palestine, began at Science World in Vancouver in advance of Saturday’s march. The demonstration encouraged cyclists to ride to the art gallery together, raising awareness of the action through pit stops along the way.
-With files from The Associated Press
