Pro-Palestine Activists Call for a Ceasefire and End to Israel's Occupation

Over the last few weeks, Montrealers have been taking to the streets to denounce Israel's occupation of Palestine and the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. 

Multiple protests have been held each week by Montrealers, organized by Palestinian Youth Movement, Independent Jewish Voices and Montreal4Palestine. Organizers have urged people in Montreal to call members of parliament to urge for them to support a ceasefire and end the support of Israel's occupation in Palestine. 

The displacement and death of Palestinians extend beyond Oct. 7, when Hamas militants and Palestinian resistance fighters breached the military blockade of Gaza – which has been in effect since 2005 and controlled by Israel and Egypt. 1,400 Israelis were killed, with more than 200 being taken hostage by Hamas.

Since Oct. 7, more than 9,000 Palestinians have been killed. Israel has bombed hospitals, churches and refugee camps. Many from the international community say these actions are war crimes, calling for a ceasefire. What Israel says to be a retaliation to Hamas' actions on Oct. 7, is overwhelmingly effecting Palestinian civilians. 

Protesters walked through the streets chanting, "free Palestine!" and calling out politicians including Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Recently, Trudeau called for a "humanitarian pause", but some protest organizers have criticized that this is not taking a strong enough stance against Israel's actions and in support of people in Gaza. Canada continues to send military exports to Israel. 

Many protests have been held outside of the Israeli consulate, United States consulate and Quebec Premier François Legault's Montreal office, all located in downtown Montreal.