PORTLAND, Maine — Protestors gathered in Portland on Saturday in support of Palestine as the war between Israel and Hamas continues.
The Maine Coalition for Palestine organized the event that began in Monument Square at 1 p.m., according to a news release from the organization.
A few hundred group members heard from planned speakers from the coalition and other organizations to call for peace.
"I think it's starting to shift a lot, which is why we're seeing the numbers that we are, is people are starting to look into what's going on and they're seeing the atrocities that are happening in Gaza," organizer Rosemary Corkins said. "As the people of Maine are showing that it is of crucial importance to us, and we will remember it when it comes time for voting."
With many calling on state and local leaders for support, Maine's Republican Senator Susan Collins has previously said she would support a temporary cease-fire to allow humanitarian aid and the release of hostages, but not a permanent one like rallies are calling for.
"We saw the greatest loss of Jewish life in a single day since the Holocaust," Sen. Collins said, regarding the October surprise terrorist attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas. "Israel should be able to wipe out Hamas, which poses a threat to the very existence of Israel as a country."
Protestors were seen gathered and lying on Congress Street during the rally. NEWS CENTER Maine reached out to Portland police who said traffic was affected but confirmed no arrests were made.
In February, dozens of protesters blocked the on- and offramps for Interstate 295 in Portland in a rally organized by the Maine Coalition for Palestine. Eleven individuals were arrested and charged with obstructing a public way.
Organizations involved in the coalition include Maine Voices for Palestinian Rights, Students for Justice in Palestine from various colleges in the state, the Maine Party for Socialism & Liberation, Portland CONFRONT, Healthcare Workers for Palestine, and Maine Labor for Palestine.
A spokesperson with the Portland Police Department told NEWS CENTER Maine police monitored the area during the event.
More stories from NEWS CENTER Maine