Emotions were running high in downtown Toronto Saturday afternoon, as both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel demonstrators clashed during rival protests.
Separated by barricades and under heavy police watch, both sides shouted at each other on the lawn of the provincial legislature, and urged an end to the firing of rockets and bombings.
The demonstration is one of several that have been held in Canadian cities since the latest Mideast conflict began nearly three weeks ago.
鈥淢uslims and Christians are being killed in Gaza, said Palestinian supporter Olsi Jazesiu. 鈥� And we in the West, have to condemn these crimes.鈥�
Standing with Israeli supporters, one woman said she attended to protest the actions of Hamas.
鈥淚 think the enemy here is common to both sides,鈥� the woman told CP24. 鈥淲e should be fighting terrorism, not each other. It is Hamas who is holding Gaza hostage and is responsible for those pictures of dead kids.鈥�
In Ottawa, hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators closed city streets Saturday, marching to denounce Israel鈥檚 military action in Gaza.
Chanting 鈥渇ree, free Palestine鈥� and carrying placards and flags, demonstrators marched to Parliament Hill in an effort to send a strong message to the Canadian government that they should be supporting Palestinian communities.
Janan Arafa, with the Association of Palestinian-Arab Canadians, said the Canadian government鈥檚 support for Israel has been vast, but that is not the case for the people of Gaza. She said the Canadian government has 鈥渞epeatedly taken Israel鈥檚 side, not even once considered the Palestinian side.鈥�
Protester Nabil Abuzaraybah鈥檚 parents grew up in Gaza, and were there for a visit when fighting between Israel and Hamas broke out. Abuzaraybah says his parents are now trapped there while the conflict continues.
鈥淚 am extremely worried,鈥� he said. 鈥淓very day I try to get in contact with them, the phones are very difficult to get in touch with anyone there.鈥�
Protesters lay on the steps of Parliament, bearing the names and ages of those who have died in Gaza.
In Edmonton, demonstrators at a pro-Palestinian gathering drew chalk outlines on a public square to raise awareness about the Palestinian civilians killed in the conflict.
More than 1,000 Palestinians in Gaza and dozens of Israeli soldiers have been killed since the fighting began 19 days ago. A 12-hour ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was extended by several hours Saturday.
