Pro-Palestine rallies took place across Australia ahead of the first anniversary of a terrorist attack in Israel that ignited turmoil in the Middle East. Thousands of people gathered in Sydney’s Hyde Park before marching towards St James Road, mirroring similar scenes in Melbourne.
Organizer of the Sydney rally, Amal Naser, stated that the march was the beginning of actions to commemorate one year since the Oct. 7 attacks and Israel’s subsequent violence in Gaza. Naser addressed the crowd, emphasizing that the government, not the people, supports terror.
During the rally, a man in Sydney was arrested for displaying an Israeli flag with a Nazi swastika in place of the Star of David. Demonstrators were cautioned against showcasing flags, symbols, or images of Hezbollah, a designated terrorist group in Australia. Some individuals carried flags with green and yellow colors, reminiscent of Hezbollah’s official ensign.
In Melbourne, a group of men waved green and yellow flags outside the State Library as protesters gathered. Last week, similar protests in Sydney and Melbourne drew criticism for displaying Hezbollah flags.
A protester in Melbourne mentioned that some group members had family ties to Hezbollah, explaining that the colors symbolized resistance. Additionally, men in the group were seen waving a flag featuring images of Iran’s current and former leaders.
Nasser Mashni, president of the Australian Palestine Advocacy Network, condemned Israel’s offensive on Gaza in the aftermath of the Oct. 7 attack. Protesters chanted slogans and marched towards Flinders St Station, denouncing Zionists as terrorists.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles expressed regret over the protests, emphasizing the need to focus on the events of Oct. 7. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan deemed the timing of the rallies inappropriate.
Rallies in support of Gaza were also held in Perth and Adelaide, with hundreds showing solidarity. According to the Israeli government, over 1,200 people were killed in the Oct. 7 attack, with 250 taken hostage by Hamas. In response, Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza, resulting in casualties and widespread displacement.
Please rewrite the following sentence:
“I am going to the store to buy groceries.”
Rewritten: “I’m headed to the store to purchase some groceries.”
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