On the heels of the release of 24 Israeli hostages held in Gaza and the subsequent freeing of 39 Palestinian prisoners, protests around the nation continue, including in downtown Seattle Friday evening.
Dozens of demonstrators calling for free and independent Palestinian territories protested at the annual Tree Lighting Celebration at Westlake Center in Seattle Friday.
There were reports of protesters stopping traffic at one point, according to KIRO Newsradio.
While the ceremony came to a stop, the tree lighting did take place, KIRO Newsradio reports.
Hosted by the Downtown Seattle Association (DSA) at Westlake Center, the Tree Lighting Celebration featured local live music, costumed characters and giveaways. The tree was scheduled to be lit at 5 p.m with fireworks launching after the event. Mayor Bruce Harrell was scheduled to be in attendance at the event.
Ursula Reutin, one of the hosts of the Gee and Ursula Show, and Micki Gamez, one of KIRO Newsradio’s traffic and transportation reporters, co-emceed the tree lighting this year. It ushers in the post-Thanksgiving and end-of-the-year holiday celebration.
