Practically 1,000 folks in Fort McMurray march in 'Save the Youngsters of Gaza' rally

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Near 1,000 folks marched in downtown Fort McMurray on Sunday in solidarity with the kids of Gaza and to demand a ceasefire so humanitarian assist can attain its folks.

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The gang met on the Shopper’s Drug Mart on the River Metropolis Centre and walked alongside Franklin Avenue in direction of the Fort McMurray Court docket Home. They waved Palestinian flags and held indicators urging peace and condemning Israel’s marketing campaign in Gaza. Loads of folks driving by waved and honked their horns in help.

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“You possibly can condemn the actions of Hamas on Oct. 7 and likewise condemn the actions of the Israeli authorities and navy, which is ensuing within the worst humanitarian disaster that now we have seen in our lifetimes, killing hundreds of harmless civilians nearly half of that are kids,” stated Naseem Abdo, one of many organizers of Sunday’s march. “How can anybody justify reducing off meals, water and electrical energy which is collective punishment and towards worldwide legal guidelines?”

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Sunday’s march was known as “Save the Youngsters of Gaza” and occurred on the identical day as dozens of different rallies throughout Canada that help Palestinians.

For the reason that Oct. 7 assaults towards Israel, there have been weekly protests in Fort McMurray calling for a peaceable finish to the disaster. Wooden Buffalo RCMP says all protests in Fort McMurray have remained peaceable and with out main incidents.

Abdo was proud of Sunday’s turnout and stated weekly protests are getting bigger. Individuals of various faiths and cultural backgrounds have additionally joined them. He additionally pointed to protests throughout Canada as proof Canadians don’t need to see the warfare proceed.

A current ballot from Mainstreet Analysis for the Nationwide Council of Canadian Muslims discovered 76 per cent of Canadians say Hamas is a terrorist group and 81 per cent say hostages must be launched, however 71 per cent of Canadians additionally desire a ceasefire. One other 68 per cent stated defending Palestinian civilians and delivering humanitarian assist must be prioritized over combating Hamas.

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“We ask our prime minister and all elected officers to hearken to Canadians and name for an speedy ceasefire,” stated Abdo. “The trail to peace is paved with change. To realize a hopeful future, the Palestinian folks must be granted justice, equality, and freedom—situations that may finally lead to lasting peace.”

Earlier than the warfare, Gaza was dwelling to greater than 2 million folks in a territory roughly 360 square-kilometres. Youngsters are roughly half the inhabitants.

The Palestinian Well being Authority says greater than 11,000 civilians in Gaza have been killed since Israel started its bombing marketing campaign. The Swiss-based Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor estimates Israel has dropped a minimum of 25,000 tonnes of explosives have been dropped on Gaza. To match, the nuclear bomb dropped on Hiroshima had a yield of 15,000 tonnes.

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About 1,200 folks have been killed in Israel on Oct. 7, together with eight folks with connections to Canada. Greater than 240 folks have been taken hostage. Greater than 340 Canadian residents, everlasting residents and eligible household have been capable of go away Gaza.

“It’s a time for solidarity and we should always collectively stand by our Muslim and Jewish communities, acknowledging the tragedy that resulted within the lack of hundreds of harmless lives,” stated Abdo. “There is just one proper aspect on this battle and that’s the aspect of peace and preservation of all life. Historical past will decide those that are enabling and justifying the killing of harmless kids. Let’s be on the suitable aspect of historical past.”

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