The vigil was in held in response to a massive air raid that killed hundreds at a Gaza City hospital
ISLA VISTA, Calif. — At least 500 civilians are confirmed dead after a hospital in Gaza City was struck by bombs on October 17th. The hospital served thousands of civilians seeking medical treatment and refugee from the ongoing Israel-Palestine war.
According to Palestinian health authorities, the massacre was a result of Israeli fire. But the Israeli Military and Prime Minister – Benjamin Netanyahu – denies these allegations, claiming the strike was a result of Palestinian militants.
In the wake of these events, many world leaders have taken to social media to condemn the violence. On X – formerly known as Twitter – UN Secretary General António Guterres said, “My heart is with the families of the victims. Hospitals and medical personnel are protected under international humanitarian law.”
This attack came hours before President Biden touched down briefly in Tel Aviv-Yafo to secure a deal with Israel, getting limited humanitarian aid to Gaza from Egypt. Biden urged Israeli forces to step back in order to ease global tensions.
Egyptian President Sissi has agreed to open the sealed border between Gaza, allowing 20 trucks carrying aid across.
UCSB Students for Justice for Palestine urged vigil attendees on Wednesday to bring candles, pictures, songs, poems, and flags. Students, faculty, and Santa Barbara residents were among those in attendance. Vigil leaders lit incense and led the crowd in a chant.
This vigil comes a week after the vigil for Israel on UCSB’s campus.