TAMPA, Fla. — Dozens of protestors in downtown Tampa stood in solidarity with Palestine as the war continues in Gaza.
Tampa is just one of several cities in the U.S. participating in the "Millions March for Palestine.” Aliah Bashash said she’s been protesting for change since October.
“Everyone has a personal experience related to what's going on right now,” Bashash said.
According to the Hamas-run health ministry, thousands of people have died in this war and many require aid.
“If we don't take drastic action Gaza is going to be wiped out. They are going to force the people of Gaza out. They are going to force them into Egypt,” Ali Abdel-Qader said. “All of Gaza is currently in a nutritional crisis. They are food insecure. There are food shortages all over the Gaza Strip."
For many here in Tampa Bay, this issue hits close to home.
“I have family in Palestine. I have family in the west bank, and I fear for them every day,” Abdel-Qader said.
Right now, international mediators are working on a deal to pause the war before Ramadan on March 10. That would allow time for aid to reach the famished community.
“We cannot trust Israel,” Abdel-Qader said.
Protestors are calling for permanent peace in the war-torn Gaza Strip.
"One thing that I am going to be praying for this month is ceasefire and total ceasefire," Bashash said.
Israel Defense Forces are moving toward Rafah, a southern city in the region. Protestors are hoping for a ceasefire before that attack happens.