Supporters of Palestinians, Israelis call for ceasefire at downtown protest, North Side prayer

CHICAGO (WLS) -- As the deadly conflict continues between Israel and Hamas militants, closer to home, supporters of both Israelis and Palestinians are calling for a ceasefire.

A large crowd took to the streets in downtown Chicago on Saturday, demanding an end to the weeks-long attacks.

SEE ALSO | Egypt's border crossing opens to let a trickle of desperately needed aid into besieged Gaza

Thousands of supporters of the Chicago Coalition for Justice in Palestine filled downtown, speaking for who they deem are the voiceless in faraway Gaza.

"I hope that everybody hears the cries and the screams of Gaza children, and take a second look and try to help," said pro-Palestinian demonstrator Nuha Babar.

Some pro-Palestinian demonstrators have families still caught in the chaos in Gaza as aid there begins to trickle in.

Calls for peace were also heard at Foster Beach, where dozens of Jewish people marked the end of the Sabbath.

Rabbi Brant Rosen and his supporters joined in solidarity with those praying for a ceasefire to the deadly war.

READ MORE | Hamas releases hostages Judith and Natalie Raanan, mother and daughter from Evanston

"Stop the violence, and then, to work toward a true and lasting and just peace, so that this kind of thing is not allowed to continue," Rosen said.

Rosen also called on supporters to go on a weekly Jewish fast starting Sunday, and to donate any money they would spend on food to relief organization helping with aid overseas.