The New South Wales (NSW) Premier Chris Minns has publicly apologised and vowed not to allow a repeat of the Oct. 9 rally where pro-Palestinians chanted anti-semitic messages on the steps of the iconic Opera House.
“I want to apologise to them specifically (the Jewish community) on behalf of the government and myself,” Mr. Minns said. “I’m not blaming anyone for this.”
Further, he took “full responsibility” and would “make decisions to ensure it doesn’t happen again.”
The premier said the protesters had already “proven they’re not peaceful.”
Hundreds of Australians marched from Sydney’s Town Hall to the Sydney Opera House, which was illuminated in the blue and white colours of the Israeli flag.
Palestine supporters rally outside the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia, on Oct. 9, 2023. Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images
The Israeli government formally declared war against the terrorist group Hamas—which controls the Gaza Strip—following a deadly coordinated strike against Israeli civilians that has so far resulted in over 1,200 deaths.
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While Jewish-Australians were told to stay away from the Opera House, the Palestinian rally soon devolved into throwing flares, flag burning, and chanting phrases such as “Gas the Jews” and “[Expletive] the Jews”—footage of the protests have now been beamed around the world.
NSW Premier Minns said the racial slurs towards Jewish community members were “not good enough” and not the “definition of a peaceful protest, so the idea they’re going to commandeer Sydney streets will not happen.”
Hamas militants entered Israeli territory early Saturday morning, fired thousands of rockets, gunned down civilians, and held at least 100 people hostage.
The death toll in Israel stands at over 1,200 people on Oct. 11, an increase of 200 people since the last toll was confirmed.
The Israeli Air Force (IAF) announced “dozens” of their fighter jets attacked 70 targets in Gaza on Oct. 10.
The IAF said Darje Tupah in Gaza, where many activities against Israel are carried out, served as a “terrorist nest” for Hamas.
We'll Be Back: Palestine Action Group Sydney Says
In response to the premier’s vow, Palestine Action Group Sydney (PAGS) took to Facebook to say, “We must protest; we'll be back at 1 p.m. Sunday at Town Hall.”However, police said it would deny applications from PAGS.
NSW Police Deputy Commissioner David Hudson said the proposed rally was “unauthorised” and police had formed Operation Shelter to mitigate further unrest and address Jewish community safety concerns.
Mr. Hudson said police were negotiating with the pro-Palestinian event organisers. Generally, police require a seven-day time limit to authorise a protest, but the group submitted their application outside of that window.
Meanwhile, NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley told 2 GB radio that if the rally starts on Sunday without approval, it would be considered unlawful, meaning people can be arrested. “I don’t want to see any protests on our streets.”
Ms. Catley added the “sickening” and “abhorrent” attack on Israel taking place on Sydney’s streets was “horrifying.”
“The police’s job is to keep our community safe, and that is what they will do.”
Mr. Minns added protests require coordination; however, “this group has shown that they’re not a peaceful organisation. The result was hatred on the streets of Sydney, and the police won’t allow them to hijack our streets.”
‘History Will Not Look Kindly’ on NSW Premier, Rally Organiser Says
Meanwhile, Mr Ali took to X (formerly Twitter) to say, “History will not look kindly” on Mr. Minns.“Palestinians are dying. Our families and friends are dying. Where is our space to grieve? Why can’t we protest the devastation of Palestinian lives? Why have politicians centred one group of victims over another?”
Meanwhile, the Greens said the NSW government is “adding fuel to the flames of division in the community.”
The Rally Should Not Have Happened: PM
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese” said the pro-Palestine rally “absolutely” should have been called off to respect the lives lost on Oct.9.Mr. Albanese told 2GB radio that he “supported people’s right to demonstrate their views; we’re a democratic nation.” However, he questioned, “What is to be served other than creating a climate that is not conducive to peace?”
“The objective of wanting to see Palestinians and Israelis living a peaceful and secure life? This does not advance it at all,” he said.
“Over time, you can have your views about the Middle East as a complex issue. Undoubtedly, there has been and continues to be Palestinian suffering. But the actions of Hamas in this are entirely indefensible. There’s also not in the interest, certainly not only of the people of Israel, but it’s also not in the interest of the people of Palestine, as well,” he said.
Further, he called for “people to think again because it is a vile action we’ve seen on the weekend. It should be condemned unequivocally.”
