Pro-Palestine rally: NSW Police move to block protests over ‘safety’ concerns as faith groups urge calm

Police have moved to head off potential conflict at major protests as tensions spike over conflict in the Middle East.

A pro-Palestinian rally and candlelight vigil were being organised in Sydney for Sunday and Monday.

As Palestinian and Jewish communities prepare to mark the first anniversary of the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas last year, NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb has decided to go to court to block planned long weekend protests in Sydney.

The force said in a statement on Tuesday evening it could not be satisfied the rallies set down for Sunday and Monday could proceed safely following negotiations with organisers.

“Accordingly, the commissioner has decided to apply to the NSW Supreme Court to prohibit the two assemblies.

“NSW Police recognises and supports the rights of individuals and groups to exercise their rights of free speech and peaceful assembly; however, the first priority ... is the safety of the participants and the wider community.”

Faith leaders are calling for calm, with the war spreading beyond Israel and occupied Palestinian territories, including Yemen and Lebanon.

The NSW Faith Affairs Council met on Tuesday and comprises of leaders representing faiths including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Sikhism.

In a joint statement, they asked people to recognise common humanity and to embrace each other as “brothers and sisters”.

“We acknowledge the pain many in our community are feeling due to events in the Middle East,” it reads.

“We implore those who are grieving to find solace in the compassion and understanding of others and to refrain from any words or acts which promote hate and resentment or incite violence.

“Our state has shown great resilience throughout these times of conflict but our social cohesion is something we cannot take for granted.

“As community and faith leaders we are committed to working within our various congregations and communities to promote peace, harmony and understanding in NSW and to stand together as fellow Australians.”

NSW Premier Chris Minns said the community needed everyone’s help “during these difficult periods” for social cohesion.

“Our wonderful multicultural society rests on effort; it doesn’t rest on this being something we take for granted.

“It’s our responsibility to work at this cohesive, harmonious, safe, multicultural community that we have.”

More than 1200 Israelis were killed in the Hamas attack, with hundreds taken hostage.

Almost 42,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since Israel declared war on Hamas, according to local authorities.

The Australian government has for months warned citizens to leave Lebanon as the security situation continues to deteriorate.

A number of commercial airlines have since suspended flights to Israel and Lebanon to avoid affected airspace.

These include Emirates, Qatar, Lufthansa and Ryanair.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has told Australians to leave by any available option, warning any evacuation plans cannot cater to the large number of citizens in Lebanon.

A spokesperson for Senator Wong said there must be an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon.

“Diplomacy must be prioritised. International law applies to everyone,” she said.

“Lebanese civilians cannot be made to pay the price of defeating Hezbollah.”

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