Thousands rally in Mississauga to show support for Palestinians amid Middle-East conflict

Thousands of people rallied in Mississauga on Tuesday evening to show support for Palestinians amid increasing violence in the Middle East, as the conflict between Israel and Hamasin Gaza intensifies.

The demonstration, organized by the Palestinian Canadian Community Centre in Mississauga, beganin Celebration Square. Later, protesters moved ontoBurnhamthorpe Road, where they blockedtraffic.There were small fireworks set off on the street.

Protesters waved flags and chanted slogans, including"Free, free Palestine" and "Palestine will never die."

On Twitter, the Palestinian Canadian Community Centre in Mississauga, known as Palestine House, said the rally was part of a day of action to protest against the "ongoing ethnic cleansing of our people" as civilian casualties mount in Gaza due to Israeli attacks. Meantime, Israelsays it isstriking Hamas positions in Gaza to stop rocket attacks on its cities and maintains any civilian deaths are unintentional.