Massive protests erupted in Sydney and Melbourne as demonstrators mourned the assassination of Hezbollah's Hassan Nasrallah, denouncing Israel's actions in Lebanon.
Massive protests erupted in Sydney and Melbourne as demonstrators mourned the assassination of Hezbollah's Hassan Nasrallah, denouncing Israel's actions in Lebanon.
In a show of solidarity, demonstrators gathered in Sydney and Melbourne to mourn the recent assassination of prominent Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Labeling Israel as a "terror state," protest attendees displayed placards and images of Nasrallah, showcasing their discontent with the ongoing violence in the Middle East. The protests, which attracted thousands, unfolded amid intensifying Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon that have drawn international calls for an immediate ceasefire, even from Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
The demonstrations in Sydney were part of a global movement against Israel's military actions, which have escalated significantly in recent weeks. During the rally held at Town Hall, participants expressed their grief over Nasrallah’s death, who for over thirty years led the Iran-aligned militia before being killed in an Israeli airstrike that also devastated residential buildings in Beirut.
Nasrallah remains a polarizing figure in both Western and Middle Eastern contexts. His leadership of Hezbollah, an organization recognized as a terrorist group in Australia, has fueled divided opinions. Immigration Minister Tony Burke condemned any indication of support for such entities, indicating that it would attract heightened scrutiny from security agencies. He emphasized the government's resolve to potentially revoke visas for individuals promoting discord within Australia.
NSW Premier Chris Minns acknowledged the protests arise from genuine concerns regarding the conflict, yet stressed the importance of not allowing radical ideologies to infiltrate Australian society. He urged for a collective focus on maintaining the social cohesion that has characterized Australia as a multicultural nation throughout periods of unrest.
Liberal Senator James Paterson expressed alarm at the public display of Hezbollah symbols during the protests, labeling it a violation of Australian law pertaining to terrorist organizations. The call for law enforcement to act was echoed in light of Nasrallah’s confirmed death amidst a backdrop of continuous Israeli bombings, which, according to Lebanon's health minister, have resulted in over 1,670 fatalities since the conflict reignited earlier this month.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong reiterated the Australian government’s stance on the need for a ceasefire, asserting that retaliatory measures would not contribute to long-term peace or security. The protests were marked by calls to halt violence that has surged in the region, with demonstrators advocating for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The rally in Melbourne was part of a broader national day of action supporting Gaza. Reports noted a smaller faction that attempted to disrupt a pro-Palestine event, leading to potential referrals to the Australian Federal Police for further action. Nevertheless, the majority of protesters remained focused on advocating for peace and ending the violence that has escalated in the last year.
As protests unfold across major Australian cities, the situation remains tense, with the eyes of the world closely monitoring developments in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its implications within Australia.
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