Pro-Palestine Vigils Spark Tensions in Australian Cities on October 7 Anniversary
Demonstrations in Melbourne and Sydney coincided with the anniversary of the Hamas attacks, drawing criticism and counter-protests.
Pro-Palestine protesters gathered in Melbourne and Sydney on Wednesday to commemorate the anniversary of Hamas' October 7 attacks on Israel, events that led to tense scenes in Melbourne and criticism from political figures in both cities.
In Melbourne, the vigil saw clashes between pro-Palestine activists and a rival Israeli group, with a significant police presence on the ground. Images from the scene showed protesters, including Israeli activist Avi Yemini, confronting officers.
The Sydney event was reportedly less chaotic, with a smaller crowd of approximately 150 people. This demonstration, organized by groups including Jews Against the Occupation '48, proceeded despite criticism from New South Wales Premier Chris Minns, who described the vigil as 'heartless.' Minns acknowledged that authorities had no legal basis to prevent the gathering.
"There are some people suggesting it can be stopped. The Constitution doesn't allow that," Minns stated. "They can certainly do that. It's not against the law, but, as a citizen, I've got a right to make a judgement on it, too."
NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane also voiced strong disapproval, urging the government to oppose the event and calling it "inappropriate, it is sickening, it is cruel, and it's provocative to be holding these events on October 7."
Organizers of the Sydney vigil defended their decision to hold the event on the anniversary, stating that October 7 also marked the beginning of Israel's military campaign in Gaza following the Hamas attacks. Promotional material for the event referred to the day as the "Gaza Uprising on 7 October 2023" and called for solidarity with Gaza, framing it within the context of decades of occupation. They also noted that Israeli airstrikes began later that day after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared war.
A separate pro-Palestine event was planned for Wollongong, organized by Wollongong Friends of Palestine, advertised as a commemoration for "martyrs." The language used in its promotional material also drew criticism.
The October 7 attacks, carried out by Hamas on southern Israel, resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths, primarily civilians, and triggered a sustained bombing campaign by Israel on Gaza.