Hash Tayeh calls time on going to weekly protests and predicts a ‘drastic reduction’ in attendees

Some Melbourne protesters say they will push on with their weekly CBD protests but the outspoken head of the Burgertory fast food chain has revealed why he won’t be taking part.

Acting Premier Ben Carroll has called for an end to Melbourne’s disruptive weekly pro-Palestine protests, saying Victoria’s focus should turn to supporting the city’s hospitality industry.

In the strongest message from the Victorian government to date, Mr Carroll said he wanted to see “a step down” from the rallies – which have cost taxpayers more than $4m to police – after a tentative ceasefire deal was reached in Gaza.

The deal was delayed on Sunday night after Hamas failed to provide the names of hostages due to be released.

“What we do here protesting in Melbourne is not going to change outcomes overseas,” Mr Carroll said on Sunday.

Protesters gather at the State Library on Sunday. Picture: Valeriu Campan

There are calls for the weekly protests to come to an end. Picture: Valeriu Campan

“It’s important that we realise that we have a CBD that we need to support, a thriving restaurant industry, hospitality industry, that we want

to support.”

His comments come as outspoken Burgertory boss Hash Tayeh vowed to stop attending the weekly marches, predicting a “drastic reduction” in rally attendees.

He said the ceasefire was the first step to liberation and his attention would now turn to “advocacy and activation”.

Hash Tayeh will no longer attend the weekly marches. Picture: Wayne Taylor

Mr Tayeh’s comments come amid growing calls from the state’s peak business lobby for an end to pro-Palestine protests in the CBD.

Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry acting chief executive Chanelle Pearson said Melbourne had endured 15 months of the rallies and “enough was enough”.

But organisers of Free Palestine Melbourne have declared they will continue to hold weekly protests, stating a ceasefire is a “first step”.

President of the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network Nasser Mashni said the ceasefire was “a bandage over an open wound”.