Australians Abroad Warned to Stay Away From October 7 Protests

At home, Tony Burke calls a planned Bankstown rally ‘deeply insensitive,’ as NSW Police seek to block a Sydney protest on safety grounds.

Pro-Palestinian protesters stand in front of a large flag and banner at a rally in Sydney on May 15, 2024. DAVID GRAY/AFP via Getty Images

Australians overseas have been warned to steer clear of demonstrations this week, as global protests tied to the Gaza conflict and the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks raise fresh security concerns.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has issued a worldwide Smartraveller alert urging citizens to “put safety first” and avoid gatherings that could turn violent.