Australians are denouncing pro-Palestinian protestors in Melbourne who compelled an Israeli delegation made up of relatives of Israelis killed or kidnapped by Hamas to take refuge at a police station. Wednesday, the protesters broke into the hotel lobby of the group, brandishing placards and laying two bloodied dolls on the floor.
About 20 pro-Palestinian demonstrators escorted a group of Israelis whose relatives were abducted by Hamas during the terrorist organization’s bombings on October 7 to their hotel after the group met with local lawmakers and members of the public at a nearby college on Wednesday. The demonstrators can be seen on social media waving banners that read “Stop arming Israel” and yelling pro-Palestinian slogans. Liberate Palestine. After a while, the demonstrators were removed from the hotel by the police.
As part of a global campaign to raise awareness of the suffering of Hamas hostages in Gaza, the Israelis are in Australia meeting with politicians and other influential people.
Private security guards reportedly led the Israelis to a police station. The group was “made to feel unsafe” by the protest, according to a statement released later by the Israeli Embassy in Canberra.
Victoria State Premier Jacinta Allan told local media that the demonstrators’ actions were disgusting.
“People who are suffering grief and loss as a consequence of the awful conflict that is going on in the Middle East deserve our respect and care and support,” she stated.
The leader of the conservative opposition in Canberra, Peter Dutton, described the pro-Palestinian demonstration as “an act of depravity” in front of Parliament.
Legislators were informed by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday that the protestors’ acts were “beyond contempt.”
“This does nothing to advance the cause of the Palestinian people,” he stated. “It makes no progress toward regional peace or justice for the Palestinian people.”
Earlier this week, friends and family of some of the hostages held by Hamas demanded their immediate release at a press conference held at Parliament House in Canberra.
Australia has stated time and time again that it supports Israel’s right to self-defense and its response to the Hamas onslaught, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people and the kidnapping of 240 more.
Additionally, the government has pushed Israel to abide by wartime regulations and avoid killing civilians.
In recent weeks, pro-Palestinian demonstrators have staged several demonstrations around Australia in addition to pro-Israeli gatherings.
Since the fight broke out, officials have voiced alarm over an increase in Islamophobia and antisemitism in Australia.
According to two government ministers, Israel was punishing Gazan civilians collectively “for Hamas’ barbarism” in October.
The only Muslims in Australia’s federal Cabinet are the two ministers, Ed Husic, who is responsible for industries, and Anne Aly, who is responsible for early childhood education.
