Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Welcomed But Protests in Canada Will Continue
Pro-Palestinian groups in Canada vow to keep protesting despite the ceasefire
Toronto, Canada, Israel, Hamas, Ceasefire, Protests
Toronto: Pro-Palestinian groups in Canada are saying that even with the new ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, their protests aren’t going anywhere. They’ve been rallying for over a year, and they plan to keep it up. Gur Tsabar, a spokesperson for the Jews Say No to Genocide coalition, made it clear that there will be “no pauses, no breaks, no rests” in their demonstrations.
He mentioned that while they’re hopeful about the ceasefire, it doesn’t change the ongoing suffering in Gaza. Yara Shoufani, part of the Palestinian Youth Movement, echoed this sentiment, stressing that their protests will push for a two-way arms embargo and accountability for those responsible for the violence in Gaza.
On the other side, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs is focused on getting hostages back from Hamas. Their interim president, Noah Shack, stated that the Jewish community in Canada won’t rest until every hostage taken on October 7 is returned home.
According to mediators, Israel and Hamas have agreed on a three-phase deal that includes releasing hostages and allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza. However, Israel is still finalizing the details.
The conflict escalated after Hamas attacked on October 7, 2023, leading to significant casualties on both sides. The UN reports that a large percentage of those killed in Gaza are women and children.
Tsabar, who has been active in protests, believes the ceasefire might reduce deaths in Gaza but insists it won’t change their commitment to protesting until “Palestine is free.”
Shoufani expressed relief at the ceasefire news but noted it’s “15 months too late.” Meanwhile, Maureen Leshem, a Toronto resident with a cousin taken hostage, criticized the pro-Palestinian protests, calling the rhetoric “despicable.”
Leshem shared that her cousin is alive but not well, and she emphasized the trauma all hostages have faced. She feels optimistic about the ceasefire but is also realistic about the changes it brings.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau welcomed the ceasefire, hoping it will ease tensions in Canada.
— With files from Sonja Puzic in Toronto and The Associated Press.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 15, 2025.