Protesters reaffirm ceasefire calls as Israel-hamas conflict drags on
Weekend rally involved solidarity march aiming to highlight Palestinians' plight
A pro-palestinian group in Windsor gathered Saturday afternoon calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, a message supporters have echoed since the outset of the conflict five months ago.
According to the latest figures reported by the United Nations, 30,000 Palestinians have died so far — a number encroaching on the total population of Lakeshore, Ont.
Around 100 supporters waving Palestinian flags and signs assembled in front of the former Silver City building before embarking on a solidarity march down Walker Road, to Division Road and back, in support of Palestinians in Gaza.
“I keep saying this non-stop, if they haven't gotten tired of killing the innocent, we will not allow ourselves to get tired of speaking for the innocent,” said Rasha Zaid, co-founder of Windsor4palestine, the organizer of the demonstration.
Zaid said the group has held a demonstration every week since the conflict began.
Israel began its strikes against Gaza after Hamas launched an attack on Oct. 7 killing around 1,200 Israelis and taking 240 hostage.
Roughly 1.7 million Palestinians are presently displaced within Gaza, while 2.2 million people are experiencing some degree of food insecurity, in a total population of 2.3 million.
“What these people are enduring is unjustified,” said Zaid. “It's been deemed by international law that these violations are war crimes, and yet they are still ongoing.”
In January, South Africa asked the International Court of Justice to consider whether Israel was committing acts of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
The International Court of Justice mandated the Israeli government to take measures to prevent genocidal acts, yet Human Rights Watch recently issued a statement that Israel has failed to comply with any of the provisions.
In January, the Canadian government allocated another $40 million in aid to Gaza, topping up the total commitment to $100 million since the conflict began.
However, Zaid said she feels the federal government has failed to adopt a firm position urging for a ceasefire in Gaza.
During the demonstration, Zaid urged supporters to contact the Ministry of Education calling for the incorporation of Palestinian topics into the existing curriculum.
“We're human, we're one,” said Zaid, echoing a message of unity. “We're here for the sole reason to demand justice and peace for all.”