Pro-Palestine Groups Vow to Continue Weekly Protests Despite Ceasefire Deal

Protesters hold placards during a pro Palestine demonstration, in Sydney, Australia, on Dec. 7, 2023. AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi

Two Pro-Palestinian groups have vowed to continue weekly protests despite the ceasefire between the state of Israel and terror group Hamas.

A six-week truce and hostage exchange began on Jan. 19 following an agreement between both parties.

Yet the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) released a statement on Jan. 20, criticising Israel’s delay in agreeing to the ceasefire, alleging it continued attacks on Palestinians until the last moment.

“Israel is not seeking justice or peace. Instead, it remains committed to its campaign of genocide, apartheid and illegal occupation of Palestine,” the statement read.

APAN President Nasser Mashni said protests will continue, arguing that the ceasefire is merely a pause in Israel’s military campaign.

“This does nothing to change the lived reality for Palestinians who continue to live under illegal Israeli occupation and apartheid,” he said.

Free Palestine Melbourne echoed APAN’s stance, stating that weekly protests will continue until a free Palestine is achieved.

“Join us every Sunday as we continue to protest for Palestine,” the group announced on social media.

Ongoing Demonstrations Across Australia

On Jan. 19, hours before the ceasefire took effect, thousands gathered in pro-Palestine rallies across major Australian cities, including Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane.

In Melbourne, an estimated two to three thousand protesters gathered at the State Library before marching through the CBD under heavy police surveillance.

Despite the truce, many demonstrators argued it does not go far enough and vowed to maintain pressure on governments worldwide.

Government Response and Ceasefire Impact

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed the hostage release but stressed the need to “lower the temperature” in Australia following recent antisemitic incidents, including the arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue.

“Of course, hostages should never have been taken in the first place, and the fact they’ve been kept for 15 months has prolonged the conflict,” Albanese said.

He urged full implementation of the ceasefire deal, including increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, acknowledging the suffering of innocent civilians.

The ceasefire agreement follows 15 months of hostilities that began when Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages.

In response, Israel initiated air strikes and a ground offensive, with the Hamas-backed Gaza Health Ministry claiming 50,000 Palestinians have been killed.