Free Palestine rally attracts thousands in Melbourne CBD

Thousands of protesters marched in the streets of Melbourne calling for Palestine to be freed, as conflict in the middle east deepens.

Free Palastine Rally marching from the State Library to Parliament, Melbourne. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Valeriu Campan

Thousands of pro-Palestine protesters marched in the streets of Melbourne as the conflict between the nation and Israel deepens following an attack by terror group Hamas.

Rally organisers Free Palestine Melbourne called for people to join them on the steps of the State Library as they marched to the Victorian parliament in Melbourne on Sunday.

Protesters were calling for the conflict in Gaza to end and a stop to the blockade of food, water, fuel and medical supplies in the region.

Those attending were seen carrying signs calling out the thousands of deaths in the last two weeks since the war began between Hamas and Israel.

Supporters carried signs and flags as they marched through the city. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Valeriu Campan

Those attending the rally were calling for Gaza to be freed. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Valeriu Campan

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said about 15,000 people attended the rally.

“There were no major incidents of note,” she said.

“However, as a matter of course, police will review any vision or CCTV from the day.

“Our top priority was keeping the peace to ensure the event did not impact the safety of the broader community.

“We will continue to retain communication with all communities which have a strong interest in events unfolding in the Middle East.”

Greens leader Adam Bandt also spoke on Sunday to the thousands attending the rally.

“It’s a war crime,” Mr Bandt said.

“4000 Palestinians have been killed and the death toll that will continue to rise.

“End the war in Gaza, end the invasion, peace for Palestine now.”

Mr Bandt told the crowd the Greens had rallied against the invasion of Gaza.

Greens Leader Adam Bandt showed his support for the rally on Sunday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Valeriu Campan

Protesters were also calling on the Australian Government to cut ties with Israel in support of those suffering in Palestine.

Event organisers stated before the rally that there was no place for racism among protesters, following shocking scenes in Sydney earlier this month.

“We remind everyone that the struggle for a free Palestine is an anti-racist struggle,” organisers stated on the Facebook event.

“We condemn and oppose all forms of racism, including anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.

“Ours is a struggle against the state of Israel, not against Jewish people, many of whom oppose Zionism, and who have a long history of being part of our movement for a free Palestine.”

People were gathered on Sunday to protest against the war. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Valeriu Campan

Thousands of people were listening to the speakers who attended the rally. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Valeriu Campan

The Melbourne rally follows other protests across the country this week, held in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth on Saturday.

A vigil was held in Hobart on Saturday, taking place outside the Hobart Town Hall.

A protest in the national capital will take place on Wednesday at the National Press Club.

It comes as more than 30 humanitarian organisations signed an open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his senior ministers urging Australia to intervene diplomatically in the conflict.

The Free Palestine Rally saw a huge crowd of Australians show their support to the movement. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Valeriu Campan

The Free Palestine Melbourne event attracted thousands of people. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Valeriu Campan

The Australian Council for International Development letter signed by organisations including Save the Children Australia, ActionAid and United Aid Abroad urges Australia to exert its influence to seek an urgent ceasefire between Hamas and Israel.

“The Australian Government must use its voice and exert its influence to seek a ceasefire – an end to the rapidly escalating conflict – as a matter of urgency,” the letter stated.

“We are deeply concerned at the ongoing violation of the human rights of citizens in Gaza and Israel, and breaches of International Humanitarian Law.

“We ask your government to be unceasing in your efforts to achieve unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance, a humanitarian corridor and protection of civilians.

“We call for a pause in the hostilities to allow for critical humanitarian work to save lives.”

Originally published as Free Palestine rally attracts thousands in Melbourne CBD