Demonstrators call for ceasefire in Gaza during downtown protest led by Jewish group
Posted October 23, 2023 8:41 am.
Last Updated October 23, 2023 1:29 pm.
A morning rally in downtown Toronto shut down a major intersection for more than an hour during the Monday work rush.
A group of hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the Israeli consulate near the intersection of Yonge and Bloor streets for a protest led by a Jewish group that called for a ceasefire in the latest Israel-Hamas war.
The protesters identified as members of the Toronto Jewish community who stand in support of the people of Palestine and oppose Israeli military action in Gaza.
The organization Independent Jewish Voices posted about the morning rally on social media, describing it as a protest to demand a ceasefire, stop funding to the Israeli army, and “end the occupation of Palestine.”
In addition to demanding an immediate ceasefire, the protesters called on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to send that same message to Israeli leaders.
Demonstrators could be heard breaking into chants of “free, free Palestine,” and “what do we want? Ceasefire. When do we want it? Now.”
The group began gathering on the sidewalk outside the Israeli consulate around 7 a.m. and eventually moved into the middle of the intersection. Yonge and Bloor was blocked off to motorists at 8 a.m.
The intersection was cleared shortly after 9 a.m.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO 680 NEWSRADIO TORONTO’S LIVE TRAFFIC UPDATES!Israeli warplanes struck targets across Gaza on Monday, including in areas where Palestinian civilians have been told to seek refuge, after another small aid shipment was allowed into the besieged Hamas-ruled territory.
Israel has still not allowed any fuel to enter Gaza, where there has been a power blackout for nearly two weeks.
The Israeli military is widely expected to launch a ground offensive in Gaza following the Oct. 7 Hamas attack into southern Israeli communities.
With files from The Associated Press
