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An activist left onlookers in disbelief with his assertion that the October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas was a ‘hoax’ during large-scale protests across Australia.
Participants, supported by over 250 community groups, unions, and notable public figures, gathered for marches in over 40 cities and towns on Sunday, urging for the imposition of sanctions and calling for an end to Australia’s arms dealings with Israel.
The groundswell of support for the Palestinian cause comes days after famine was declared in Gaza for the first time.
‘The movement is the biggest it’s ever been,’ Palestine Action Group’s Sydney spokesman Josh Lees said.
However, one protester’s shocking statement at a march in Melbourne surprised many, as he proclaimed that the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel had been fabricated.
‘October 7th was a hoax set up by Israel to justify its slaughter in Gaza,’ he said over a megaphone.
A woman outside a Starbucks cafe in Melbourne’s CBD was heard telling customers their coffees were infused with the blood of Palestinian children.
‘Your coffee is supporting genocide,’ she said.
Hundreds of thousands of people have gathered for pro-Palestine protests across Australia. Pictured: a boy holds a placard during a rally in Sydney
Demonstrators hold placards as they take part in the ‘Nationwide March for Palestine’ protest in Sydney
A woman gestures during a pro-Palestine rally in Sydney
Event organizers expect participation to reach up to half a million by the day’s conclusion, following the turnout of approximately 300,000 at the Sydney Harbor Bridge march earlier in August.
They say the strong attendance is a reflection of an outpouring of support for Palestinians.
‘That bridge march has generated so much momentum around the country,’ Mr Lees said.
‘The dam has burst in terms of support for Palestine and opposition to this genocide.’
This mobilization occurs just days after the United Nations announced famine in sectors of the Gaza Strip for the first time, amid Israel’s preparation for a complete military takeover of the city.
‘It adds even more to the urgency of why we need to mobilise to demand our government takes real action to stop this,’ Mr Lees said.
According to the United Nations, since October 7, 2023, over 60,000 Palestinians have been killed, including 18,000 children, following the attack by Hamas that led to the deaths of 1,200 individuals and the capture of more than 200 hostages at an Israeli music festival.
Speakers slated to address crowds include high-profile activist Grace Tame and journalist Antoinette Lattouf.
Protesters gathered outside Victoria’s State Library in Melbourne calling for sanctions and holding placards that read, ‘Israel is killing children’
A magistrate vetoed plans by organisers to march across Brisbane’s Story Bridge. Protesters (pictured) instead gathered at Queens Gardens with speeches kicking off just after 1pm
Protests are also taking place in Canberra (pictured), Adelaide, Perth and Darwin, as well as in regional cities, including Warrnambool and Geelong
The push for change comes after a magistrate vetoed plans by organisers to march across Brisbane’s Story Bridge, which Queensland Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Rhys Wildman welcomed but said could have been resolved weeks ago.
About 7,000 people gathered at Queens Gardens with speeches kicking off just after 1pm.
A larger turnout congregated just before midday outside Victoria’s State Library in Melbourne calling for sanctions and holding placards that read, ‘Israel is killing children’.
Protests are also taking place in Canberra, Adelaide, Perth and Darwin, as well as in regional cities, including Warrnambool and Geelong.
Israel has rejected criticism that its actions in Gaza amount to genocide, a claim that has also been brought against it before the International Court of Justice.
Its Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the famine declaration an ‘outright lie’.
