As the Israeli onslaught on Gaza continues, protests against the military operation and the occupation of Palestine have gathered pace across the world. In Canada, November 4th was the largest day of action since the start of the war last month.

The Palestinian Youth Movement, which issued the call for the national day of action, aimed to mobilize 100,000 people across the country to express their solidarity with the Palestinians. The organizers had three main demands: (1) an immediate ceasefire; (2) an end to Canada's complicity in Israel's war crimes, genocide, and colonization of Palestinian land; and (3) immediate medical and material aid to the people of Gaza.

The November 4th march in Montreal -- see below for photos -- saw thousands gather at Place des Arts in the city's downtown. This was one of several actions that have taken place in the city so far in response to the Israeli attacks on Gaza.

On October 30th, 17 MP offices were occupied by protesters across Canada to oppose the Trudeau government’s policy towards Israel. The protesters chose the offices of MPs who had failed to sign a letter by over 30 MPs, including more than a dozen who belong to the ruling Liberal Party, calling for an immediate ceasefire. The office of the Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly was also occupied in Ahuntsic-Cartierville.

On October 25th, students staged walkouts at McGill University, Concordia Uniersity, Université de Montréal, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), and Dawson College to express their support for the Palestinian people. They implored their universities to divest from corporations that profit off the occupation of Palestine.

Montrealers have been active in taking individual actions, too. These include calling and writing letters and emails to their MPs to urge them to call for a ceasefire.

The march on November 4th was the fourth and the largest in Montreal to date, and solidarity actions for Palestine will continue. The Palestinian Youth Movement has called for another day of action on November 9th. In response, organizers at UQAM have asked protesters to gather on campus to show support. Similar actions will be held at other campuses as well.

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