A few dozen pro-Palestinian demonstrators demanding a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip disrupted traffic on the Jacques-Cartier Bridge for nearly two hours Thursday during the morning rush hour.
The small group, which had transported street furniture on the road near the exit on avenue de Lorimier, prevented motorists coming from the South Shore from entering the island of Montreal from around 6 h 45.
The latter had to turn around and return to Longueuil. Montreal motorists were consequently prevented by the police from using the bridge towards the South Shore.
The demonstrators dispersed around 8 a.m., and the police began to clear the lanes, so that traffic could resume around 8:30 a.m.
Shortly after 7 a.m., a statement was issued by people claiming to be responsible for the demonstration.
Under the slogan “Let’s stop everything for Palestine”, the demonstrators ask the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, to call for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. They claim that there is currently a status quo in the face of what they describe as genocide committed by Israel in Gaza.
Blockage of the Jacques-Cartier Bridge in progress! Free Palestine! Ceasefire now!
Blockade of Jacques-Cartier bridge happening now! Free free Palestine! Ceasefire now! pic.twitter.com/d05wxuNkhn
— Solidarity without borders #StatusforAll (@SolidariteMTL) November 16, 2023
On Wednesday, in Vancouver, hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators surrounded a restaurant in Chinatown where Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was dining. Dozens of police officers were sent to the scene to control the crowd demanding a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas.
With The Canadian Press
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