Hundreds gather for Free Palestine rally amid escalating violence between Israel and Hamas

Hundreds of protesters have gathered in Melbourne’s city centre to call for a Palestinian state, as Israel’s assault on Gaza intensifies.

Hundreds of protesters have rallied in Melbourne to call for a Palestinian state, as fighting in Israel and Gaza escalates.

The protesters gathered at the State Library of Victoria before marching to Parliament House on Saturday afternoon.

Despite the chilly temperatures in the city, droves of people turned out to the rally to show their support for the cause.

Hundreds gathered at a Free Palestine rally outside the State Library before the march went on to Parliament House. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Sarah Matray

A protester flashes a peace sign at a Free Palestine rally on Saturday. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Sarah Matray

The hundreds of protesters at the rally chanted “Out, out Israel out”, “Free, free Palestine” and “Free Gaza” throughout the afternoon.

The crowd moved through the city and when it reached Parliament House people blared music and chants rang out.

“From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” the crowd chanted at Parliament House.

One speaker said the fight for a free Palestine was a “just cause”.

Chants of “Free, free Palestine” rang out from the crowd during the rally on Saturday. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Sarah Matray

“The struggle will continue,” he said.

Organiser Tasnim Sammak said they were pleased with the “powerful” turnout.

“Melbourne showed solidarity with the Palestinian struggle and condemnation of the aggression launched by Israel,” Ms Sammak said on Saturday.

The protesters wanted the Australian government and international community to uphold rights for indigenous people including Palestinians, she said.

A woman waves a Palestinian flag as protesters march from the State Library to Parliament House. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Sarah Matray

Many protesters waved flags. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Sarah Matray

In particular, she said the forced removal of Palestinian families from neighbourhoods in East Jerusalem, including Sheikh Jarrah, must end.

The violence that erupted in Gaza and Israel this week is the worst since 2014.

Escalating clashes between Palestinians and Israeli police at a holy hilltop in East Jerusalem helped spark fighting between Israel and Hamas.

Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza, fired rockets after a warning to withdraw from the holy site, which triggered Israel to launch retaliatory air strikes.

Total casualties are more than 100 in Gaza and at least seven in Israel.