Pro-Palestine protesters cause chaos outside Melbourne Cup

Police have dragged protesters along the ground as they blocked one of the busiest entries into Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington.

A group of pro-Palestine protesters have blocked a major intersection outside Flemington Racecourse on Melbourne Cup Day.

Chaos unfolded just outside Flemington when a van with the words “Free Palestine” spray painted on the side began to block traffic, joined by dozens of people who sat down in the middle of the busy intersection.

Police were seen dragging protesters along the ground before arresting them.

Police drag away protesters who refused to move before arresting them. Picture: X/Sheherazade Bloul

Protesters blocked a main intersection. Picture: X/Sheherazade Bloul

Lighting flares 🔥 pic.twitter.com/i46HQYJEUd

— Scheherazade Bloul (@scherrybloul) November 7, 2023

Victoria Police said they were “dealing” with about 100 protesters who began blocking the roundabout of Epsom Rd, Ascot Vale Rd and Racecourse Rd at about 11am.

A lone protester stood with a lit flare on top of the stationary van, leading the group in chants denouncing the treatment of those in Gaza.

They were heard chanting “free Palestine and ”shame Israel”.

Others held signs that said “From Naarm to Gaza, we stand united”.

The woman who had climbed onto the van has since been arrested after police say she “failed to obey police instructions to come down”.

Police also sprayed two other “non-compliant protesters” before arresting them.

Flares were lit as a part of the protest. Picture: X/Sheherazade Bloul

Dozens of people were part of the protest, the latest to impact a major Melburnian thoroughfare. Picture: X/Sheherazade Bloul

Activists gathered at Melbourne central today to call for a ceasefire now, to end the occupation, the siege, and genocidal practices of the Israeli government.#freepalestinepic.twitter.com/3FgVKIe3m6

— Scheherazade Bloul (@scherrybloul) November 6, 2023

Buses and cars were left at a standstill while the group continued their protest, with one vehicle seen trying to push through the crowd.

Police were seen issuing an order to move on, which was largely ignored by the protesters who continued to chant.

Victoria Police have been contacted for comment.

The protest comes just one day after a similar group of activists shut down part of Melbourne Central for a “die in”.

A group of people were seen lying down in the heart of the shopping centre calling for a ceasefire.

Protesters were shouting ‘shame Israel’. Picture: X/Sheherazade Bloul

Tuesday marks one month since Gaza was first hit on October 7 in retaliation to an unprecedented surprise attack from Hamas on parts of Israel.

Dozens of Israelis were taken hostage in the siege, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing no ceasefire would take place unless they are released.

More than 10,000 people from the Gaza have been killed in the past four week, with 1,400 Israelis killed in the same period.

Protests have erupted around the world in support of Palestine, with groups in each continent calling for a ceasefire.

More to come