GTA Palestinian families urge Trudeau to demand ceasefire and help for Canadians

Palestinian families in the GTA whose relatives remain in Gaza gathered in Mississauga to urge the federal government to do more to help Canadians.

In a press conference Thursday, many pleaded for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to demand an immediate ceasefire, a humanitarian corridor, and a safe passage for Canadians to exit the war zone.

From anger to anguish, speaker after speaker expressed their fear as they watch this war unfold from the GTA, knowing their family members are in life-death situations.

“We implore the Canadian government to use its diplomatic influence to help broker an end to this conflict, to put an end to the suffering and to bring about justice to the people of Gaza who are facing a severe humanitarian crisis,” said Nora, who has family in Gaza.

Mansour, a Canadian living in Southern Gaza who joined the press conference live, said he sees ambulances daily and they are running out of supplies.

“Almost half of the hospitals or clinics have stopped working either through the bombardment or the lack of fuel to ensure that electricity continues to run there. With regards to water data, right now, we [haven’t had] access to clean water for seven days,” said Mansour.

“We do not feel very hopeful of anything, companies, particularly government at this stage. I’m being very frank with you … I hope they can turn this around,” he added.

Seven Canadians have been confirmed dead during ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hamas among the more than 7,000 killed in Gaza and 1,400 dead in Israel, mostly civilians slain during the initial Hamas attack, according to the Israeli government.

As of Wednesday, Global Affairs said it is helping 430 Canadians and their family members who have requested help in Gaza, as well as 176 people in Israel and 76 in the West Bank.

In Israel, 5,765 Canadians in total have officially registered with Global Affairs Canada, while 451 Canadians have indicated they are in either the West Bank or Gaza.

The latest statement from the federal government said that Canada unequivocally condemns Hamas’ terrorist attack against Israel and supports Israel’s right to defend itself, in accordance with international law and said it’s also deeply concerned by the situation in Gaza and supports a humanitarian pause.

“We also continue to work around the clock to secure a window for Canadians to exit Gaza,” continued the statement.

“Allow freedom of movement, of people, of ports of fuel we have tens of thousands that require medical treatment,” pleaded Mansour.

Mansour added the last time he spoke with someone at Global Affairs Canada was nine days ago.

“Telling us … there is currently no deal being struck for safe evacuation for [those with] international passports living in Gaza … since then we haven’t heard back.”

Mansour has also been separated from his family for their safety since he started speaking out about what is occurring in Gaza.

Ola, whose parents were visiting Gaza for the first time in more than 20 years when the war began, said when she was finally able to talk to her mother she heard more than 10 missiles exploding during the eight-minute phone call.

“They have relocated four times so far for their safety. It is supposed to be safe, but the bombing reaches everywhere. There is no safe zone,” she said.

“They are saying there are seven families, including 10 seniors with urgent medical aids for diabetes and high blood pressure with limited access to food and water. Their conditions are worsening by the minute,” shared Ola.

She added in Canada, her family lives in “constant fear, stress and anxiety.”

“Both [of my] kids who are teens in high schools and public high schools in Canada, they are afraid to go to school or use the public transportation during the escalating violence and the number of reported Islamophobia cases since October 7,” said Ola.

Several Palestinian and Jewish families called on the Toronto District Catholic School Board to do more to address anti-Palestinian racism on Wednesday.

A walkout was also held by students at a Toronto school in support of Palestinians on Thursday.

With files from The Canadian Press