Regional communities stripped of police resources for major Pro-Palestine protests

Fears are mounting that a series of major protests will cause havoc for Melburnians as Pro-Palestine supporters prepare to block major roads and train stations.

Pro-Palestine protesters are expected to block key CBD locations on Monday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

Victoria Police are set to “pull resources” from regional Victoria to prepare for a series of major protests planned for Monday.

Pro-Palestinian groups are rallying around the globe to blockade roads, train stations and businesses affiliated with Israel to cause significant impact to local economies.

In response to the anticipated disruptions, which are expected to affect key CBD locations, Victoria Police confirmed that it would be forced to “pull resources from a number of regional police stations” to ensure public safety.

A police spokesperson on Thursday said it would also be drawing on “specialist areas” from within the force, to prepare for protests at “numerous locations.”

“This includes the Mounted Branch, Public Order Response Team, Search and Rescue Squad, Highway Patrol and Transit police,” she said.

Pro-Palestine protesters march through the city in February. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

In a rare move, Victoria Police will also set up its State Police Operations Centre which is used to manage their resources during an emergency.

It will be the first time the centre has been activated since anti-lockdown protests in 2021.

Following last month’s West Gate Bridge protest where a woman was forced to give birth on the side of the road and 16 emergency services were disrupted, police implored activists “to reconsider their planned actions so it does not disrupt the community and economy”.

“To be clear – we respect people’s right to protest when it is lawful and peaceful,” she said.

“However, there is no place for anyone wanting to deliberately disrupt and cause harm in our community.

Roshni Lad with her newborn son at St Vincent’s Hospital. The mum was forced to give birth on the side of the Ring Rd after she got caught up in traffic amid Extinction Rebellion protests.

“As we have seen during recent disruptive protests, it is too often innocent people caught up and unfairly impacted when roads and intersections are blocked,” she said.

Protesters have not informed police as to which locations they will target.

The protests are being organised by the A15 Action group who are co-ordinating groups in major cities around the world.

Their website calls on participants to “disrupt and blockade economic logistical hubs and the flow of capital.”

Other cities said to be participating include London, Montreal and New York City along with other major Australian cities.