Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s stern warning to Australians over conflict between Israel and Palestine

Police allege the woman was spotted walking down a busy street in Lakemba while carrying a burning flag during a protest.

The Prime Minister has issued a stern warning to Australians about tensions in the Middle East after a woman was arrested for allegedly burning the Israeli flag during protests in Sydney.

Police allege the woman was spotted walking down a busy street while carrying a burning flag after officers were alerted to an unauthorised protest involving about 200 people on The Boulevarde in Lakemba on Tuesday night.

It comes as violence flared between Israel and Palestine, with the death toll rising.

The woman was allegedly seen waving the flag as she walked down the street. Picture: Supplied

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has urged people not to “import” the Middle East conflict into Australia.

“Of course, we’re all very concerned for what’s happening there,” he told 2GB radio on Thursday.

“We’ve been urging restraint from all parties involved there to not take any unilateral action on those very stressful and tense situations that we’re finding there.

“But those things should not be played out here in Australia. We’re a peaceful country, we believe in a two-state solution ... we want to ensure that people live in this country with tolerance and respect.

“We do not want to import the troubles of other parts of the world into this country.”

Police intervened as the woman walked down the street. Picture: Supplied

Police said officers were conducting patrols during Ramadan when they became aware of the protest, then liaised with the organiser to “assist with the safe facilitation of the demonstration”.

“About 9.30pm, police observed a woman walking down the street through traffic and holding an Israeli flag that was on fire,” police said in a statement.

“The flag was removed from her possession and as it was being extinguished, the woman ran from police.

“She was detained a short time later and was spoken to by police before being issued a move-on direction.

“A large crowd had gathered but remained compliant and dispersed a short time later.”

The 48-year-old woman has been issued with a court attendance notice for allegedly behaving in an offensive manner in a public place and wilfully preventing free passage of person or vehicle.

She is scheduled to face Bankstown Local Court on July 8.

Rockets are launched from Gaza City, controlled by the Palestinian Hamas movement, towards Israel this week. Picture: Mahmud Hams/AFP

United Nations diplomat Tor Wennesland has urged restraint from Palestine and Israel.

“Stop the fire immediately. We’re escalating towards a full-scale war,” he tweeted.

“Leaders on all sides have to take the responsibility of de-escalation.

“The cost of war in Gaza is devastating and is being paid by ordinary people.

“UN is working with all sides to restore calm. Stop the violence now.”

Palestinians run away from gas fired by Israeli soldiers during an anti-Israel demonstration. Picture: Abbas Momani/AFP

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the situation as anarchy.

“What is happening in Israel’s cities over the past few days is unacceptable,” he said.

“We have seen Arab rioters set fire to synagogues and vehicles and attack police officers. They are attacking peaceful and innocent citizens.

“I have ordered the police to adopt emergency powers, to reinforce with border police units and, of course, to impose curfews where necessary.”

Mr Netanyahu also said he had spoken via telephone with US President Joe Biden.

He said Israel would “continue to take action to strike at the military capabilities of Hamas and the other terrorist organisations” in the Gaza Strip.