SALT LAKE CITY – A rally regarding the violence in Gaza was held in Salt Lake City Friday, and the pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrated in front of the Matheson Courthouse.
Protest organizer Mona Shahrebani said they were at the event to advocate for peace.
“And we’re here basically just to stand for peace and freedom for all innocent civilians in Palestine and around the world,” Shahrebani said.
Those who attended chanted slogans, like: “Occupation is a crime. Israel out of Palestine.”
These demonstrators blame Israel for the killing of Palestinian children, and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
“A death anywhere is a death, and innocent civilians anywhere deserve their basic human rights, and we’re here to let everyone know that the Palestinians must be given their basic human rights,” one attendee at the rally said.
Ron Zamir of the United Jewish Federation of Utah was also at Friday’s rally.
“First and foremost, the Palestinians are being oppressed by their own people,” Zamir said.
He said Hamas started the conflict by shelling Israeli cities, and in fact the terror group Hamas has placed missile batteries in hospitals, schools and residential areas.
“I mean, everybody in Israel is for a cease-fire. It’s the Hamas that three times have said ‘no’ to cease-fires, and now they’re talking about another cease-fire,” he said. “We’re hoping they achieve that cease fire.”
Officials reported Friday night that Israel and Hamas had agreed to a 12-hour cease fire that would begin Saturday, click here for more information on the deal.
