In a tumultuous scene, multiple clashes erupted as law enforcement resorted to using pepper spray to manage the crowd. The tension reached a peak when four individuals were seen lying on the ground during a late confrontation, while a police officer sustained an injury, his face visibly marked by blood.

As the situation escalated, protesters were sprayed with pepper spray, highlighting the struggle police faced in controlling the gathering. Riot police were stationed strategically, safeguarding an entrance to the International Convention Centre Sydney, approximately 100 metres away from the protesters’ location.

One eyewitness recounted, “They made some arrests there. They injured some people there, and forced us back into this park,” reflecting the intense atmosphere that pervaded the area. The scene underscored the challenges both demonstrators and police encountered throughout the event.

Riot police were deployed, protecting an entrance to the expo at the International Convention Centre Sydney, about 100 metres from where demonstrators had gathered.

“They made some arrests there. They injured some people there, and forced us back into this park.”

Demonstrators wanted to blockade the convention but were met with strong police force, a protest organiser said. Source: AAP / Bianca De Marchi

Much of the protest focused on the NSW government’s role in hosting and sponsoring the expo amid the conflict in Gaza.

“We haven’t supplied ammunition or weapons to Israel over the last five years,” he told reporters.

“They’re not selling nuclear weapons down at Darling Harbour this weekend,” he said.

“To safeguard our nation’s security and prosperity at home, we must be strong at sea.”

Riot police were called in as protesters pushed against barriers separating them from the expo. Source: AAP / Bianca De Marchi

Protesters have vowed to rally each day of the expo.