Protesters forbidden to march
Concerns have been raised over protest laws in Australia with another planned pro-Palestinian rally at Hyde Park on Sunday to protest Israel’s bombing response of Gaza.
Earlier in the day a service was held by Sydney’s Jewish community at Bondi to mourn the loss of life in the Hamas attack. In Melbourne a peaceful United with Israel rally will go ahead with both the Premier Jacinta Allan and Opposition Leader John Posutto to speak this evening.
NSW police announced ‘Operation Shelter’ in reaction to potential incidents of antisemitism. Premier Chris Minns cited the anti-Jewish chants and burning of the Israeli flag at the Opera House last Saturday, as cause for concern for security with the planned protests this weekend. He said that people had a right to protest but others had a right to feel safe and free from vilification and violence, and there would be no permission for a march.
In breaking news Israel has informed the UN that the 1.1 million civilians in Northern Gaza should relocate south for their own safety within 24 hours. This indicates that an Israeli Army attack into Gaza is imminent.