Hundreds show up for pro-Palestinian rally in Vancouver

Hundreds of people showed up to a pro-Palestinian rally outside the Vancouver Art Gallery on Monday afternoon as the conflict in Israel and Palestinian territories continues.

More than 1,000 people have been killed in Gaza and parts of Israel, according to authorities, as the Palestinian organization Hamas and the Israeli military escalate a conflict that was sparked by a surprise Hamas attack over the weekend.

The war has sparked concern from both Palestinians and Israelis in Vancouver, with the art gallery protest calling attention to the loss of life in Gaza especially — after the Israeli defence minister called for a "complete siege" of the Gaza Strip on Monday.

Up to 300 protesters gathered with Palestinian flags, some of whom were wearing the traditional keffiyeh scarf, and called for the end of what they deem to be a settler-colonial occupation in the Palestinian territories.

WATCH | Protesters worried by human rights abuses at pro-Palestinian rally: 

Concern for human rights in Gaza at Vancouver rally

1 year ago

Duration 1:29

Attendees called for international law to be respected in the Gaza Strip, which has been declared under siege by Israel. Organizers said the rally aimed to raise concerns about the treatment of civilians and was not in support of Hamas, the group that governs Gaza.

"My people have been oppressed for over 75 years and I'm here to stand mainly with my family, my parents and my two sisters," said Nasser Najjar, who said he has two sisters trapped in Gaza.

He says the only way he knows they are alive is if he sees them typing on a family WhatsApp group, but he has been mostly in the dark for over a day since the fighting began.

Najjar dismissed the idea that the pro-Palestinian rally — one of many held across Canada, including in Calgary and Toronto — was in support of Hamas, the group whose attacks on Israeli civilians has drawn condemnation from some politicians including B.C. Premier David Eby.

Najjar called on Western governments, including Canada, to withdraw support for the Israeli government, and said the conflict in the Palestinian territories had deeper historical roots.

"One day we will be free. I hope that you hear us. I hope that you see us," he said.

Amal Joha, who was at the protest with her son Nehad al-Faraaneh, said Palestinians living in Gaza had a right to live peacefully.

"My family [are] all in Gaza. I want to tell to Mr. Trudeau ... I want him to feel [for] other people, to bring them here to Canada," she said through tears.

Mayor denounces 'anti-Israel' protests

The protest at the art gallery was largely peaceful and was monitored by the Vancouver Police Department (VPD).

Earlier in the day, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim had denounced "anti-Israel" rallies being planned in the city and said the City of Vancouver condemned the "horrific act of terrorism" in Israel.

"When informed of these rallies, I spoke with the VPD and am encouraged they will investigate and address any incidents of hate," he said in a statement.

While the protest largely saw supporters chant in support of a "free Palestine," a few Israeli counter-protesters showed up and were largely drowned out by the Palestinian supporters.

Their arrival prompted shouting and small scuffles in front of the art gallery.

One person was handcuffed by police, who broke up the scuffle, according to a CBC News reporter on the scene.

Rachel Goldberg, one of the counter-protesters, said they wanted to show support for civilians being killed by Hamas.

"We're just here to show that we are still here. You can't scare us and make us hide anymore," Goldberg said.

The VPD told CBC News it is investigating several incidents related to the protests over the weekend, and it anticipates charges could be laid. 

"Our primary role is to maintain order, facilitate safe and peaceful gatherings, and investigate unlawful behaviour if it occurs," said Const. Tania Visintin.

"We encourage everyone who gathers ... to express themselves in a way that is peaceful, lawful and respectful of others."