OTTAWA – A significant pro-Palestinian demonstration took place in Ottawa’s downtown area this Sunday, advocating for an urgent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
The march commenced at Parliament Hill, with rally leaders urging the Canadian government to take more decisive actions amidst the continuing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Eli El-Chantiry, one of the participants, commented, “Every one of us needs to voice our demand for the Canadian government to back a ceasefire.”
Recent events in Gaza, including the seizing of humanitarian aid and widespread disruptions to the internet and phone services due to heavy Israeli bombardments, have further escalated concerns. Aseel Muneer from the Palestine Youth Movement remarked on the severity of the situation, saying, “Not only are they isolated from the world, but it’s utterly inhumane to sever their connections with each other, especially when they’re seeking emergency assistance.”
With ongoing explosions in Gaza, Palestinian health officials have reported over 8,000 casualties.
This rising death toll has left many in Ottawa pondering the value of innocent lives lost. Leslie Edwars, who displayed a sign stating “Shame, Canada” accompanied by images of injured or deceased young children, questioned, “Where is our humanity? Is this acceptable?”
Attendees emphasized that their display of unity transcended the initial Hamas offensives from Oct. 7. Some even bore signs revealing decades of grievances. Rami Obead, holding a banner demanding ‘Ceasefire now, free Palestine’, asserted, “We oppose the loss of lives and abductions in Israel. But if we’re to discuss who initiated this, we’ve been under occupation since 1948.”
Reflecting on a lifetime of advocacy, Suzie Ghadban said, “I’ve been rallying since my elementary days. My father would take us to Parliament Hill in the 1970s, and decades later, here we are, still voicing our concerns.”