Operation Shelter launched in response to rising Palestinian-Israeli tension in Sydney
Even as they launch Operation Shelter in a bid to control growing tension in Sydney in the wake of conflict on the Gaza Strip and reject approval for a Sunday pro-Palestine rally, police admit they can't stop protesters turning up anyway.
NSW
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NSW Police has launched Operation Shelter to co-ordinate the response to pro-Palestinian activities which could be planned across the state.
Acting commissioner Dave Hudson announced the police action on Wednesday morning, saying it was “not ideal”, but it was a necessary response to “activities that lay in front of us”.
Operation Shelter will use intelligence available to police as well as a strong presence on the streets to keep the community safe.
Police said an application for a protest on Sunday has been “rejected” because it was not submitted within the seven day time period.
“In our opinion, that (planned protest) won’t be happening … they may move the date, but at this stage it won’t be going ahead on Sunday,” acting commissioner Hudson said.
His message to protesters who decide to flout the law and gather anyway without approval was clear.
“Don’t do it … we can’t stop people gathering, but we will have a very heavy police presence on the ground ready to respond.”
It comes as Premier Chris Minns called for a second protest planned for Sunday to be banned on Wednesday morning.
He also apologised to the Jewish community saying the government “failed” to make them feel safe on Monday after the Opera House was lit up blue and white in solidarity for Israel.
It followed the Hamas attacks on Israel on Saturday, which killed hundreds and has since escalated to all-out war on the Gaza Strip.
It saw more than 500 people gathered on the steps of Town Hall on Monday night and marched to the Sydney Opera House.
Acting commissioner Hudson acknowledged criticism of the police handling of the protest, but said their advice was to “facilitate the march” in order to best control it.
“It meant we were able to control it, prevent an escalation and direct it along a particular pathway.”
“I can totally understand the criticism that happened on Monday … however, that was a moving situation.”
As part of Operation Shelter, police will ramp up presence around synagogues, Jewish schools and hospitals.
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