Palestinian supporters mark Global Day for Gaza

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators are convening in various locations across Australia to observe Global Day for Gaza. They are demanding the cessation of Australia's arms trade with Israel and advocating for genuine peace in both Gaza and the West Bank. These rallies are commemorating the lives lost in the three-year Israeli retaliation campaign in Gaza, following the Hamas terrorist attack in October 2023. Protests are taking place in both major cities and smaller towns throughout the nation.

In Hobart, Tasmania, hundreds of individuals marched along the waterfront, displaying Palestinian flags, banners, and chanting slogans, including "The West Bank will be free." They convened from around 11 am and proceeded to the Tasmanian Parliament, where they heard from speakers such as Nala Mansell of the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre and Feras Shaheen of the Tasmanian Palestine Advocacy Network.

Mr. Shaheen urged the protesters to intensify their advocacy, stating that additional measures were necessary to bring an end to the conflict in Gaza.

According to the Gaza Health Ministry, over 74,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, while more than 175,000 have been injured. The United Nations estimates that 1.9 million people have been displaced. Lynn Benn, a resident from the Hunter Valley and member of the environmental group the Knitting Nannas, attended the protest in Newcastle's Civic Park.

She expressed that many attendees were motivated by anger over the ongoing situation in Gaza, stating that food supplies are restricted, critical medical supplies are limited, and thousands of children are affected. She emphasized that the situation has persisted for three years, which she deemed "horrendous," and emphasized that standing by while this occurs is "appalling."

Niko Leka, representing the Palestine Action Group Muloobinba in Newcastle, noted that while today is a globally significant day for Palestinian supporters, many Novocastrians have been actively protesting the war for years. He stated that showing up at these protests is a "peaceful intervention," and called on the Australian government to comply with international law, advocating for an end to arms trade with Israel and investment until Israel adheres to international laws.