Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, heart, and his spouse Lis Cuesta march throughout a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Havana, Cuba, Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023. (AP Picture/Ramon Espinosa)
HAVANA (AP) — 1000’s of individuals led by Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel marched alongside Havana’s iconic boardwalk Thursday in a present of solidarity with the Palestinian individuals and demanding an finish to the battle between Israel and Hamas.
Sporting a black-and-white Palestinian keffiyeh scarf, Díaz-Canel was accompanied by Cuba’s primary leaders, together with Prime Minister Manuel Marrero and International Minister Bruno Rodríguez.
The marchers walked for two kilometers (1.2 miles), passing in entrance of the U.S. Embassy. Palestinian medical college students who have been in Cuba as a part of a cooperation program joined the rally.
“Right now we’re supporting the Palestinian individuals, supporting all these individuals who really feel the ache of getting misplaced a member of the family, a liked one on account of this bloodbath,” stated Yanquiel Cardoso, a bodily tradition specialist who participated. “We’re asking for a ceasefire … and for Palestine to be free.”
Many younger individuals had posters with the phrase “Free Palestine” with crude images of youngsters injured by bombs or flags figuring out each Cubans and Palestinians.
“This march means lots to us,” stated Sami Sabala, a 26-year-old Palestinian medical scholar in Havana. “It raises emotions … And it makes individuals really feel that Palestine will not be alone.”
The battle began Oct. 7 when Hamas militants entered southern Israel, killing about 1,200 individuals and taking about 240 hostages being taken to Gaza. Israel’s crushing aerial, floor and naval offensive in Gaza has left greater than 13,300 Palestinians useless and induced wide destruction within the sealed-off enclave.
For the reason that battle started, that is the second time that Cuba’s high leaders have participated in solidarity rallies. Final week, the Palestinian flag was projected on the monument to José Martí, probably the most iconic within the Caribbean capital.