Thousands Rally in Australia for Ceasefire in Gaza

Will the rallies in Australia make a difference in the Israel-Gaza conflict?

Protests have swept across Australia, with tens of thousands calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages. High-profile speakers, including the Victorian Greens leader, addressed the crowds in Melbourne and Sydney. The demonstrations have been ongoing since the beginning of the Israel-Gaza conflict in October. However, the Australian government has stopped short of calling for a ceasefire, urging Israel to act in accordance with international law.

The streets of Melbourne and Sydney were filled with thousands of people as they gathered for pro-Palestinian rallies, demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages. The protests, which have been occurring since October, have gained momentum in response to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. Demonstrators in Melbourne marched from the State Library of Victoria to Parliament, while those in Sydney gathered at Hyde Park.

The rallies attracted high-profile speakers, including the Victorian Greens leader Samantha Ratnam, who denounced the Israeli offensives in Gaza as ‘collective punishment’ and highlighted the humanitarian catastrophe faced by civilians in Gaza. Other speakers included writers, academics, and community leaders who called for Palestinian freedom and an end to the siege in Gaza.

Despite the growing calls for a ceasefire, the Australian government has stopped short of making such a demand. Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed deep concern over the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and the loss of life, but emphasized that Hamas still holds hostages and continues to attack Israel. The government is urging Israel to act in accordance with international law.

The protests in Australia have not waned, with tens of thousands taking to the streets in Melbourne and Sydney. These demonstrations serve as a powerful reminder that people around the world are paying close attention to the Israel-Gaza conflict and demanding an end to the violence.

• Thousands of people gather in Melbourne and Sydney for pro-Palestinian rallies
• Protests call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages
• Demonstrations have been ongoing since October in response to the Israel-Gaza conflict
• Australian government urges Israel to act in accordance with international law

As the rallies in Australia gain momentum, the message for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages grows louder. While the Australian government has called for Israel to adhere to international law, it has not explicitly demanded a ceasefire. The ongoing demonstrations highlight the global attention and concern for the people affected by the Israel-Gaza conflict. Will these protests inspire a change in stance from the Australian government?