Today in Toronto over 1000 peace activists from many different backgrounds and organizations marched in solidarity to end the illegal siege of Gaza. They marched from the Israeli consulate at 180 Bloor Street to Dundas Square. They marched as part of the International Gaza Freedom March.
Today in Cairo there are over 1300 delegates of the Gaza Freedom March from 43 countries around the world including 57 Canadians being prevented by the Egyptian government from going to Gaza. Their objective -- to draw international attention to the siege and blockade of Gaza which are illegal under international law.
Dec. 27 will mark one year since the Israeli attack and invasion of the Gaza Strip. Although the Israeli tanks have left, the complete closure of the borders continues. According to the United Nations, the most recent invasion left 1,400 Palestinian civilians dead, thousands injured and hundreds of thousands homeless, many of whom still live in tents. Many more are living in the ruins of their houses or with relatives. It is now one year later, and no progress has been made. In fact the situation is worse than ever before. Hospitals lack many medicines and supplies to provide even routine medical care. Building materials so desperately needed after the last winter's invasion by Israel are not permitted into Gaza.
