Melbourne pro-Palestine rally outside State Library attracts thousands
Thousands of pro-Palestine protesters descended on Melbourne’s CBD on Sunday in one of the biggest demonstrations since the Gaza conflict erupted.
Victoria
Don't miss out on the headlines from Victoria. Followed categories will be added to My News.
More than 45,000 pro-Palestinian protesters have brought Melbourne’s CBD to a standstill in one of the biggest demonstration since the Gaza conflict erupted.
The huge crowd of protesters chanted “Free, free Palestine” and “out, out, Israel out” as they marched from the State Library.
Victoria Police estimated the crowd figure at more than 45,000 people.
The police said there were no major incidents recorded at the event.
Protesters marched to the Treasury Gardens at East Melbourne where they sung songs and chanted for ceasefire and for Palestine to be freed.
A large group of protesters stopped in front of Starbucks on Swantson St where they chanted to “boycott” the business due to its ties to the US, which supports Israel.
The calls to boycott Starbucks come after the company sued its own workers union for damaging its reputation after a post from Workers United union on X, formerly known as Twitter, was shared in support of Palestine.
Many also changed, “Starbucks can’t you see, Israel’s on a killing spree”.
Palestinian stickers were placed on the windows and Starbucks sign, while some protesters banged on the window.
The shop had its doors locked before protesters marched past, with customers dining inside.
The stickers stuck on included the Palestinian flag and others promoting an Israel boycott.
Speakers at the protest included writer Clementine Ford and Merri-bek councillor Sue Bolton.
Burgertory chief executive Hash Tayeh also broke his silence at the rally, calling for a ceasefire.
“In the past few weeks as I called for peace and ceasefire … my business became a target,” he said.
“In a cruel act of arson our store was reduced to ashes.
“To those who sought to silence us I say you will not succeed.”
Tensions over the conflict in Gaza flared in Caulfield on Friday night after pro-Palestine protesters stormed a park outside a synagogue as footage emerged of the fire at the Burgertory store.
Victoria’s top Christian leader Melbourne Archbishop Peter Comensoli sent a powerful letter to Melbourne church leaders urging them to stand with the Jewish community against the “explosion of explicit anti-Semitism” in Australia.
‘Saying goodbye to our beautiful Troy’: Selwood’s funeral details
Former Brisbane Lions star and Geelong Grammar staff member Troy Selwood will be farewelled at the home of the Cats, GMHBA Stadium, on Valentine’s Day.
‘Massive win’ for TAFE teachers as pay hiked, conditions improved
Under a new agreement with the Allan government, the minimum salary of TAFE teachers will jump by 21 per cent over four years, including a 14 per cent rise in the first 14 months.