Several dozen pro-Palestinian protesters demanding a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip disrupted traffic on the Jacques-Cartier Bridge during the morning rush hour on Thursday.
The small group, which was transporting street furniture in the lane near the Lorimier Avenue exit, prevented motorists coming from the South Bank from entering the Island of Montreal starting at 6:45 a.m.
The latter had to turn around and return to Longueuil. As a result, police prevented motorists from Montreal from using the bridge to the south shore.
The protesters dispersed around 8 a.m. and police began clearing the lanes, so it appeared that traffic was about to resume.
Shortly after 7 am, a statement was issued by people claiming to be responsible for the demonstration motivated by the situation in the Gaza Strip.
Under the slogan “Stop everything for Palestine”, the protesters are calling on Canadian Prime Minister 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.
Blockade of the Jacques-Cartier bridge in progress! Free Palestine! A ceasefire now!
The blockade of the Jacques-Cartier bridge is happening now! Palestine free free! A ceasefire now! pic.twitter.com/d05wxuNkhn
— Solidarity Without Borders #StatusforAll (@SolidariteMTL) November 16, 2023
The protesters did not specify when they planned to end their blockade. The Société Les Ponts Jacques Cartier et Champlain could say no more.
‼️The Jacques-Cartier bridge is completely closed
⚠️ invite all motorists to avoid the area of the Jacques-Cartier bridge, for an indefinite period. pic.twitter.com/Im1kSKHH9E
— Longueuil Metropolitan Police Service (@PoliceSPAL) November 16, 2023
In Vancouver on Wednesday, hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters surrounded a Chinatown restaurant 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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