On October 10, a peace agreement brokered by the U.S. and supported by Egypt and Qatar was signed by representatives of Israel and Hamas in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. Although the deal is fragile, protests have persisted in various locations, including Montreal. One prominent group, Montreal for Palestine, has made its stance clear: their objective is not merely a ceasefire but the complete dismantling of Israel, which they refer to as “Nazi Zionists.”

During a recent protest at Dorchester Square, attendees gathered to honor Saleh al-Jafarawi, described in social media posts as “brave” and someone who “shared the truth with a smile.” The event featured an image of al-Jafarawi in a press vest, with the caption, “They Tried to Silence Him, But the Martyr Never Dies.” However, al-Jafarawi was not a journalist but a social media influencer known for creating viral videos that celebrated the October 7 attacks. He was reportedly killed on October 12 during clashes in Gaza.

The protest began with emotional songs, including one that proclaimed, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.” However, the tone shifted when speakers took the stage. One speaker claimed, “We see the ceasefire right now being broken and it’s really urgent, we need as much people as we can,” without mentioning that Hamas had violated the ceasefire by attacking Israeli troops, resulting in the deaths of two Israeli Defense Forces soldiers. In retaliation, Israel conducted airstrikes that reportedly killed 33 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

Protesters were asked to hold printed images of individuals the organizers claimed were “martyred” journalists for photos that would be shared on social media. One speaker emphasized the need for reparations, stating, “Ceasefire or not … You’re gonna pay the price.” The speaker did not address the mass executions carried out by Hamas against rival factions in Gaza following the IDF's withdrawal.

Despite the ongoing peace deal, the protesters expressed distrust towards the media. One woman confronted a journalist, questioning why they were recording the event. The atmosphere became tense when a speaker labeled the journalist as a “paid,” “Zionist mouthpiece.” The speaker further declared, “From day one of the ceasefire… we announce that, we don’t trust Zionists.”

The protest concluded with calls for Jihad, underscoring the group's rejection of the peace process. Montreal for Palestine has openly stated their refusal to recognize Israel, indicating that their goals remain far from the peace agreement. The ongoing situation raises questions about the future of peace efforts in the region, as both Hamas and protest groups like Montreal for Palestine appear to reject any notion of reconciliation.

As tensions continue, the implications of these protests and the actions of Hamas remain significant in the context of the fragile peace deal. The situation is evolving, and the responses from both sides will likely shape the future of the region.