‘War pig’: Deputy PM Richard Marles and other Geelong pollies targeted by pro-Palestinian supporters

Richard Marles has again been targeted by pro-Palestinian protesters as tensions continue to boil over Australia’s position on the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Pro-Palestinian supporters have branded the Deputy Prime Minister and other Victorian-based MPs as “war pigs” as part of fresh demonstrations against Australia’s response to the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The messages were spray painted on the Geelong offices of Richard Marles, Libby Coker and senator Sarah Henderson as well as state MPs Darren Cheeseman, Christine Couzens and Gayle Tierney.

Mr Marles, who is in Canberra for a parliamentary sitting week, said he was aware of the protest activity.

Richard Marles’ office was targeted again. Picture: NCA NewsWire

“My first concern is always for the safety and wellbeing of my staff,” he said.

Senator Henderson said there was “no excuse” for the “senseless vandalism”.

“It only serves to underline an extremist ideology from a minority which continue to turn a blind eye to the acts of terror carried out by Hamas,” she said.

“Intimidating attacks from activists should not be tolerated in any community.

“Every individual deserves to feel safe and respected in their workplace – including my staff.”

A spokesman for the culprits lashed Labor for not backing South Africa’s case in the International Court of Justice asking the UN’s top court to consider whether Israel is committing genocide in Palestine.

Senator Henderson described the act as “senseless”. Picture: NCA NewsWire

Israel has strongly rejected the allegation, calling it “baseless”.

“Israel is killing civilians indiscriminately and thousands of children in Gaza are undergoing amputation without anaesthetic because Israel is bombing hospitals and denying them supplies,” the spokesman said.

“It is unconscionable that our governments are aiding and abetting these war crimes.”

Hamas killed about 1300 people, most of them civilians, and took about 240 others hostage during the attack on October 7.

Since then Israel has killed nearly 24,000 people, mostly children and women, in its retaliatory attacks on Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

A police spokeswoman said that officers became of the aware of the graffiti just after midnight on Thursday.

“The exact circumstances surrounding the incidents are yet to be determined,” a police spokeswoman said.

“The investigation remains ongoing.”

Libby Coker’s office was vandalised with spray paint. Picture: NCA NewsWire

It’s not the first time Mr Marles’ office has been targeted since the Israel-Hamas conflict began.

In November, anti-Zionist activists stormed his electorate office around the corner, some using bike locks to chain themselves to a ladder, and refused to leave.

Fake dead bodies were also dumped out the front of his ministerial office by the group No More Bodies in Gaza in November.

Just a month later, red paint allegedly representing the “blood of children” was splashed on his ministerial office by protesters who also graffitied “stop arming Israel” and “river of blood on your hands Marles” on the office facade.

Ms Coker has also been contacted for comment.