McKenna informed reporters of his discussions with the protest’s organisers and representatives of the Opera House, adding that he has directed the NSW Office of General Counsel to file an objection against the rally in the NSW Supreme Court.

According to the Gaza health ministry, Israel’s actions have resulted in over 65,000 Palestinian deaths and left the region devastated, with an urgent lack of essential resources like food, drinking water, and safe accommodation.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrations have been held in Sydney almost weekly for the past two years. Source: Getty / Lisa Maree Williams

Famine was declared in Gaza City in August, and more than 641,000 people are facing catastrophic levels of food insecurity, according to United Nations figures.

Upon announcing the protest earlier this week, the Palestine Action Group highlighted the symbolic importance of using the Opera House as the location for the upcoming rally this month.

Pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrated outside the Sydney Opera House in October 2023. Source: AAP / Dean Lewins

The venue had “long been a symbol of anti-war protest”, it said, referencing the words “No War” being painted on its sails in 2003 in opposition to the Iraq War.