Councillor Shafiq Dogar, who proposed the movement, stated a ceasefire would enable Hamas to launch hostages and let humanitarian help attain folks.
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The mayor and council of the Regional Municipality of Wooden Buffalo (RMWB) will ship a letter urging Canada to push Israel for a ceasefire in Gaza. Councillor Shafiq Dogar, who proposed the movement at Tuesday’s council assembly, stated this is able to enable Hamas to launch hostages and let humanitarian help attain folks.
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Council permitted unanimously by the remainder of council. The letter might be despatched to Laila Goodridge, Conservative MP for Fort McMurray-Chilly Lake, and different federal officers.
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“There was this horrific assault by Hamas on Oct. 7 and the response to that’s Israel began heavy bombardment of Gaza. The people who find themselves struggling aren’t Hamas fighters, the bulk who’re getting killed are civilians and nearly all of the civilians are youngsters,” stated Abdulsalam Abdo, a resident who spoke in help of the movement. “We’re asking for a ceasefire to cease the killing of people and kids and ladies and elders.”
Dogar and Abdo advised council that different cities in Canada have handed comparable motions to their federal representatives. Mayor Sandy Bowman stated he’s additionally involved with the scenario in Gaza and has met with leaders of Fort McMurray’s Muslim group to debate the problem.
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“One factor we’re very pleased with on this group is being so various and in that variety, issues like this internationally affect the residents right here,” stated Bowman. “Though our letter could not have any impact, it does present our help for our residents.”
Councillors Keith McGrath and Funky Banjoko additionally spoke in help of sending a letter to federal officers. Abdu praised Banjoko’s daughter, Kg Banjoko, for becoming a member of native protests calling for a ceasefire.
“As a mom it’s been tough to observe the information and I’m supporting the movement as a result of we want peace in our world,” stated Banjoko. “Ladies, youngsters and susceptible folks undergo extra when nations take to arms and it’s tough to observe these issues. I pray for peace for each international locations and for our world.”
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There have been weekly protests in Fort McMurray calling for an finish to the battle. Practically 1,000 folks joined a march on Sunday in opposition to Israel’s bombardment. Wooden Buffalo RCMP says these rallies have remained peaceable and with out main incident.
Latest polls from Aurora Technique World and Mainstreet Analysis present most Canadians need a ceasefire. Each polls additionally discovered most Canadians consider Hamas is a terrorist group and hostages needs to be launched instantly.
The Aurora ballot additionally discovered most Canadians consider Israel has a proper to defend itself from Hamas, however are break up 60/40 on whether or not invading Gaza was proper. The Mainstreet ballot discovered most Canadians need Ottawa to use diplomacy to help a ceasefire or humanitarian aid
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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been criticized at protests for Gaza for not calling for a ceasefire. Nonetheless, he has urged Israel to indicate “most restraint” in defending civilians. Trudeau’s remarks had been condemned by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on X, the web site previously often known as Twitter.
Earlier than the conflict, Gaza was residence to greater than 2 million folks in a territory roughly 360 square-kilometres. Youngsters are roughly half the inhabitants.
The Palestinian Well being Authority claims 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 not less than 25,000 tonnes of explosives have been dropped on Gaza.
Hamas killed about 1,200 folks in Israel on Oct. 7, together with eight folks with connections to Canada. Greater than 240 folks had been taken hostage by Hamas. Greater than 340 Canadian residents, everlasting residents and eligible household have been in a position to go away Gaza because the begin of Israel’s bombing marketing campaign.
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