The haunting images of children kidnapped by Hamas have been placed in empty prams in Sydney’s CBD, as communities across the nation remain divided over the conflict in the Middle East.
Organisers of the event in Martin Place on Sunday say they expect 5,000 people to gather “in a peaceful demonstration to show solidarity with Israel.”
Artworks by local and Jewish artists are also on display, depicting “the realness and the ugliness of the war,” while shoes and teddies represent the 200 plus Israelis kidnapped by Hamas on Oct. 7.
In Melbourne, a large crowd is also expected to gather at Caulfield Park in the southeast of the city.
Thousands more are expected to rally in support of a free Palestine as the events continue to draw larger and larger crowds.
Organisers for an event beginning in Sydney’s Hyde Park on Sunday afternoon say they expect an even bigger turn out than the 15,000 people who marched through the Sydney CBD last weekend.
Pointing to Palestinian support rallies from earlier this month where some people who gathered chanted offensive slogans such as “gas the Jews,” Opposition Leader Peter Dutton warned similar scenes on Sunday could damage Australia’s international reputation.
“Nobody wants to see a loss of life in the Middle East or anywhere else, nobody will tolerate discrimination against any Australian regardless of their religious faith or their background,” he told Sky News Australia.
“The scenes we saw at the Sydney Opera House, where people were cheering the slaughter of Israelis by Hamas terrorists, they’re scenes that don’t belong in our country otherwise.”
A heavy police presence of more than 1,000 officers is expected to ensure safety on the city’s streets.
A similar event will take place outside the State Library in Melbourne.
Thousands of Australians have joined protests in support of Palestinians after Israeli forces bombarded the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip after a bloody incursion on Oct. 7, where Hamas executed, raped, and burned alive Israeli civilians, leaving more than 1,000 dead.
Some 200, including children, were taken hostage by the Hamas terrorists.
Israel retaliated to the initial attack by unleashing a bombing campaign that has left more than 3,500 dead, another 12,000 wounded, and roughly one million displaced, according to Palestinian officials.
Civilians in Gaza have no power, water is scarce, and the dwindling fuel sources used for emergency generators are running out.
The Israeli military have urged Palestinians to leave the conflict area where Hamas is using civilians as human shields in their warfare tactics.
