Wikipedia

Israel–Hamas war protests in Australia

In Melbourne, there has been a pro-Palestinian march every Sunday beginning in front of the State Library Victoria since 7 October, starting on 10 October. This march usually ends at Parliament House, but on 5 May the march proceeded to Victorian Trades Hall, and lead their annual May Day march through the city and back to the Trades Hall.[1][2][3]

Israel–Hamas war protests in Australia
Part of the Israel–Hamas war protests
Land Forces Expo protests in Southbank, Victoria
Date9 October 2023 (9 October 2023) – present
(1 year, 1 month and 3 days)
Location
Australia
Caused byIsrael–Hamas war
Methodsdemonstrations, counter-protests, sit-ins, occupations, picketing, civil disobedience, direct action, online activism

Rallies have protested the firing of Antoinette Lattouf, the Refugee Action Collective drawing attention to the mandatory detention of refugees and workers rights groups giving speeches in solidarity.

Regular demonstrations have also taken place in Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth, as well as in regional centres.

Timeline of events

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2023

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October

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Protest opposing the bombing of Gaza, Melbourne, Australia, 15 October
 
Pro-Palestinian protest in Sydney, Australia, 21 October

On the night of 9 October, around 1,000 protesters attended a pro-Palestinian rally in Sydney, calling on the Australian government to end support to Israel. The protestors marched through the city's central business district to the Sydney Opera House, which had been lit up with the colors of the Israeli flag to create a space "for Jews to mourn victims of the attacks in Israel".[4] A small group lit flares and burned Israeli flags.[5]

The Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns, claimed that the Sydney Opera House had been "overrun with people that were spewing racial epithets and hatred". The government later apologised for the protests, with police confirming that they are investigating the participants and seeking to press charges.[6] Jewish people were advised to avoid the area, and a man near the protest with an Israeli flag was detained to prevent a breach of the peace. Several witnesses claimed that they also chanted "Gas the Jews", although according to a police expert audio analysis of video from the event that was initially believed to have shown that call instead showed chants of "Where's the Jews".[7]

Another similar rally took place in the south-western suburb of Lakemba. Reports of violence and antisemitism emerged from the protests, which were criticized by politicians including Minns and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.[8][9][10]

On 11 October, thousands gathered for a vigil held in Sydney showing support for Israel which was attended by a number of government officials.[11] On 20 October, pro-Palestinian demonstrators blocked the entryway to the US spy base in Pine Gap, Northern Territory, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.[12] On 31 October, a group of Jewish activists occupied Defence Minister Richard Marles’ office in Geelong, demanding an end to military support for Israel.[13][14]

November

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On 8 November, activists laid themselves down on the Port of Melbourne to block cargo headed for Israel.[15]

On 10 November, a fast food restaurant in Caulfield was burned down in a suspicious fire, after the owner Hash Tayeh was photographed leading a pro-Palestine rally in Melbourne. Following the burning of the restaurant, about 200 pro-Palestinian demonstrators affiliated with the Free Palestine Melbourne group staged a protest march in Caulfield, which led to the evacuation of a nearby synagogue. The pro-Palestine march triggered a counter-demonstration by about 200 pro-Israel supporters from the local Jewish community. Police kept the two groups apart but made no arrests.[16]

On 12 November, thousands attended pro-Palestinian rallies calling for an immediate ceasefire in several Australian state capitals including Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. In addition, pro-Israel rallies were held in Sydney and Melbourne calling for the release of Hamas-held hostages and to oppose anti-semitism.[17] On 16 November, a petition with the signatures of 40,000 medical professionals demanding a ceasefire was presented to parliament.[18] On 21 November, 23 anti-war activists were arrested at Sydney's Port Botany for blocking its major roads.[19]

On 23 November, hundreds of school-age children in Melbourne and Adelaide walked out of classes in a school strike to "free, free Palestine".[20] On 26 November, Senator Lidia Thorpe spoke at a rally in support of Palestine, stating Aboriginal Australians were sympathetic to the struggles of Palestinians.[21] Teachers in Victoria were warned against participating in any pro-Palestine related protests.[22] Protesters held a die-in outside the offices of The Age.[23]

A group of several dozen pro-Palestinian protesters in Melbourne blocked the hotel entrance to a delegation of families of kidnapping and murder victims from the 7 October massacre after learning of its location. In response, the delegation sought assistance at the local police station.[24]

December

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On 21 December, protesters on kayaks blocked an Israel-linked cargo ship from entering the Port of Melbourne.[25]

In late December 2023, cabin crew on a Qantas flight between Melbourne and Hobart donned Palestinian flag badges; which went against the airline's policy of wearing unapproved badges on their uniforms. Dvir Abramovich, the chairman of the Anti-Defamation Commission, criticised the cabin crew's conduct as intimidating, harassment and a violation of "every rule of air travel". An online petition calling for the dismissal of the cabin crew attracted 2,000 signatures. In response to media coverage, Qantas reiterated its policy against employees wearing unapproved badges on their uniforms.[26]

2024

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January – March

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Protesters blocked an Israeli cargo ship from entering the Port of Melbourne on 22 January 2024.[27][28]

On 2 February, protesters in Melbourne blocked the entrance to the factory that produces parts for Israel's F-35 military jets.[29]

 
"Gaza Solidarity Encampment" at the University of Sydney, 26 April 2024

April – June

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On 25 April students of the University of Sydney put up tents and shouted pro-Palestine slogans.[30] After that, multiple other Australian universities set up encampments.[31] On 8 May, Greens senator Dorinda Cox alleged she was "manhandled" by police while protesting as part of Students for Palestine WA at the Crown Perth casino and resort, where Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was speaking at a business breakfast, saying that the police told her group to move and allegedly shoved her into the crowd while she was speaking.[32]

On 18 May, Trade Unionists for Palestine organised a protest at Melbourne's Moonee Valley Racecourse, which was hosting the Victorian Labor Party's State Conference. The protest action delayed planned speeches by Albanese and Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan.[33]

On 19 May, Palestinian solidarity protesters and the Christian Zionist group International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) held competing rallies outside the Victorian state parliament in Melbourne. Police estimated that 7,000 people attended the Nakba Sunday Rally and ICEJ's Never Again is Now Rally. Police separated the two groups and arrested six protesters.[34][35]

July – September

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See also: 2024 Melbourne Land Forces Expo protests

On 11 September, Melbourne saw protests outside the Land Forces Expo, a military technology event. Victoria Police claimed it was the largest deployment of police against a protest since 2000.[36]

Melbourne Land Forces Expo protests

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The 2024 Land Forces protests, also known as Disrupt Land Forces, were a series of anti-war protests which took place from 8–13 September in Melbourne, Australia. Thousands of protesters occupied streets around the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, where the 2024 Land Forces exhibition was taking place with the support of the Australian federal government and the Victorian state government.[37][38][39]

Disrupt Land Forces highlighted the links between Australian governments and the Israeli weapons industry, as part of ongoing opposition to Israel's attacks on Gaza.[39] The Land Forces exhibition included weapons which have been deployed by Israel in Gaza.[40][41] Protest organisers denounced the event as "a cabal of war practitioners and war profiteers".[42]

The state government of Victoria deployed a large police contingent to defend Land Forces from protesters. According to Victoria Police, it was the largest single deployment of officers in the state since the S11 protests in 2000. 82 people were arrested in connection with the protests[43] and over 150 were injured by police during the picket on 11 September.[40]

Events

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Starting from 8 September, there were daily actions before and during the Land Forces conference. These were organised by various groups, as part of the Disrupt Land Forces coalition.

7 September

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On the afternoon of 7 September, a woman locked herself on to a car blocking the Montague St exit off the West Gate Freeway, blocking and delaying access to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.[44] Protesters were chanting the “usual slogans”, including "From the River to the Sea" but were namely protesting against the upcoming Land Forces Expo. The woman was cut free by police and arrested. A second woman, who was reportedly the designated police liaison person for the protest group, was also arrested for ‘aiding and abetting’ the woman protesting.[45]

11 September

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Between 4,000 and 5,000 protesters gathered from 6am for the first major demonstration, led by activist groups Students for Palestine and Disrupt Wars.[46][47][48] Protestors blockaded entrances to the venue and disrupted attendees attempting to enter the weapons exhibition.[49] Students for Palestine described the event as "a beautiful, defiant day of protest and disruption".[48]

Over 1,600 police were deployed to protect the weapons exhibition. Victoria Police have been accused of a police riot by legal observers, with excessive force and weaponry including rubber bullets and flash grenades being used against unarmed protesters.[39][50] At least 100 people were injured by police violence, including at least one journalist and a photographer who required surgery after being hit in the ear by a rubber bullet. In anticipation of the event, police were granted extended powers under the Terrorism Act.[51] Police alleged afterward that they had rocks, eggs, rotten tomatoes and horse manure thrown at them.[51]

By the afternoon, after the protesters had largely dispersed, police had barricaded the Spencer Street Bridge to all road traffic.

Victorian Greens MP Gabrielle De Vietri confirmed her attendance at the protest that morning. In response, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan suggested that De Vietri should resign from her position.[52]

12 September

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On the morning of the second day of the Land Forces expo, a group of protesters gathered and marched around the streets surrounding the exhibition centre, holding up peak hour morning traffic with police extending an exclusion zone outside the expo.[53]

In the late afternoon, a large group of protesters gathered outside the Hanwha headquarters in the Melbourne CBD.[54]

13 September

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Australian Greens Senator David Shoebridge greeted a small number of protesters at the Spencer St Beidge, which was still barricaded by police while also speaking to media. During when he criticised Victoria Police’s excessive use of force.[55]

Reactions

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  • Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese condemned protesters for "throwing things at police".[49]
  • Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police Shane Patton said of the protests “They come here to protest against war, so presumably anti-violence, and the only way I can describe them is a bunch of hypocrites. Their conduct today was absolutely appalling.”[51]
  • Greens politician Ellen Sandell called for an inquiry into excessive force used by police.[56]

References

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  2. ^ Kappas, Kirie (2024-03-22). "Refugee advocate Helen Panopoulos calls for change". NEOS KOSMOS. Retrieved 2024-05-03.
  3. ^ "Pro-Palestinian protesters rally in Melbourne CBD as Port of Melbourne blockade enters third day". ABC News. 2024-01-21. Retrieved 2024-05-03.
  4. ^ Friedman, Gabe; Kaltmann, Nomi (2023-10-11). "Sydney government apologizes for pro-Palestinian protest that included 'gas the Jews' chants". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Retrieved 2024-01-18.
  5. ^ "Pro-Palestine protesters chant 'Gas the Jews' outside Sydney Opera House". The Daily Telegraph. 2023-10-10. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 2024-01-18.
  6. ^ Jackson, Lewis (2023-10-10). "Police investigate pro-Palestinian protest at Sydney Opera House over alleged anti-Semitism". Reuters. Retrieved 2024-01-18.
  7. ^ Hannam, Peter (2 February 2024). "NSW police say analysis shows pro-Palestine chant in viral Sydney Opera House video was 'where's the Jews?'". The Guardian. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
  8. ^ "Flares ripped at pro-Palestinian rally outside Sydney Opera House in protest while sails in the colours of Israeli flag". ABC News. 2023-10-10. Archived from the original on 2023-10-11. Retrieved 2023-10-13.
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  10. ^ "Pro-Palestinian rally in Sydney calls for Australia to drop support for Israel". The Guardian. 2023-10-10. Archived from the original on 2023-10-13. Retrieved 2023-10-13.
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  24. ^ "Anti-Israel protesters in Australia block hotel entrance of hostage families". Jerusalem Post. 29 November 2023.
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  26. ^ Winer, STUART (4 January 2024). "Outrage after Australian airline crew wear Palestinian badges during flight". Times of Israel. Archived from the original on 4 January 2024. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
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  28. ^ "Australia's pro-Palestinian activists to continue targeting Israeli ships". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 30 January 2024.
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  30. ^ https://aje.io/84b476?update=2861027
  31. ^ Cassidy, Caitlin; Ittimani, Luca (2024-05-02). "'A vital moment': Australian pro-Palestine campus protesters vow to stay on as tensions brew". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-05-02.
  32. ^ "'Police manhandled me': Senator's claim". News Corp Australia. 2024-05-08. Retrieved 2024-05-09 – via Yahoo News.
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  37. ^ "Save the Date, New Logo, Same Great Event | Land Forces 2026". landforces.com.au. Retrieved 2024-09-13.
  38. ^ Morgan, Alex Crowe, Lachlan Abbott, Cassandra (2024-09-13). "Labor says weapons expo should return to Melbourne, despite disruptive protests". The Age. Retrieved 2024-09-13.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  39. ^ a b c Whiteman, Lex Harvey, Hilary (2024-09-11). "Protesters clash with police at Australia defense show". CNN. Retrieved 2024-09-13.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
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  44. ^ https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/protester-blocks-west-gate-exit-by-locking-herself-to-car-on-melbournes-montague-street-in-protest-against-military-expo/news-story/b0d80cefe66f752515d164680cae6b34?amp&nk=ec02638979b700359840bbc02fea4526-1726575739
  45. ^ https://x.com/matth093/status/1832283142725759028?s=46&t=yMNUf-L4bRyfi3bchcsFoQ
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  47. ^ "Reasons why violent chaos erupted in Melbourne". www.9news.com.au. 2024-09-11. Retrieved 2024-09-12.
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  50. ^ Kelly, Cait; Press, Australian Associated (2024-09-12). "Up to 100 anti-war protesters injured outside Melbourne weapons expo, advocates say, as police accused of 'riot-type' response". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-09-12.
  51. ^ a b c Cowie, Melissa Cunningham, Cameron Houston, Tom (2024-09-11). "Police chief lashes 'hypocritical' protesters as city prepares for more unrest". The Age. Retrieved 2024-09-12.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  52. ^ https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/politics/she-should-hand-back-the-keys-to-her-office-greens-mp-gabrielle-de-vietri-condemned-for-attending-land-forces-protest-on-parliamentary-sitting-day/news-story/56f6418154a41199a147a88f8b2e15c9?amp&nk=ec02638979b700359840bbc02fea4526-1726577401
  53. ^ "Protesters continue to rally against Land Forces expo in Melbourne in anti-war demonstration - ABC News".
  54. ^ "Anti-war rallies continue in Melbourne as federal MP calls protesters' actions 'disgraceful'".
  55. ^ https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/politics/david-shoebridge-doubles-down-on-greens-claims-that-excessive-force-was-used-on-protesters-as-hes-blasted-by-richard-marles/news-story/763945330bf64a898a3d666a892b6520?amp&nk=ec02638979b700359840bbc02fea4526-1726577180
  56. ^ "Horse manure, bottles thrown as police and protesters clash outside weapons expo". SBS News. Retrieved 2024-09-12.
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