Four pro-Palestine protesters were arrested on Thursday for climbing the roof of Australia’s Parliament House in Canberra. The protesters stood on the roof of the building for almost an hour and unfurled banners, criticizing the Gaza war. One of the banners read: “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” a common refrain of pro-Palestine protestors.
The July 4 demonstration at the national parliament followed recent tensions inside Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Labour administration, which fired Fatima Payman, a senator who crossed the floor to promote Australia’s acceptance of a Palestinian state.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the protests.
Lawmakers criticized the significant security violation and asked for an investigation.
On social media platform X, opposition Home Affairs spokesperson James Paterson described the protest as a “serious breach of the Parliament’s security.”
“The building was modified at great expense to prevent incursions like this,” he stated, before proceeding to say, “An investigation is required”.
This is serious breach of the Parliament’s security. The building was modified at great expense to prevent incursions like this. An investigation is required. https://t.co/AL8ARPeRtO
— James Paterson (@SenPaterson) July 4, 2024
Australians show their support for Palestinian causes in several ways:
- Australia recently voted in favor of a UN resolution endorsing Palestine’s bid for full membership. Although not full membership, this acknowledges their qualification and gives them certain “rights and privileges” within the UN.
- In Australia, public opinion has shifted towards the Palestinian cause. According to polls, up to 73% of Australians support recognizing Palestine as a state. Pro-Palestine protesters have breached security at Parliament House to display banners supporting Gaza and Indigenous Australians.
Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) aims to promote Palestinian human rights, justice, and equality. Their key goals include:
Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (apan.org.au)
- Advocacy: APAN advocates for a just and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing a two-state solution and respect for international law.
- Education: They raise awareness about the Palestinian situation through educational programs, events, and campaigns.
- Solidarity: APAN fosters solidarity between Australians and Palestinians, encouraging dialogue and understanding.
Pro-Palestine protests have gained momentum worldwide, including in the United States and other countries.
- United States: Large-scale pro-Palestine protests: Since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war, tens of thousands of people have participated in pro-Palestinian demonstrations throughout the United States. These protests are among the largest on this issue in the country.
- Pro-Palestine protests have gained momentum in Egypt, reflecting the country’s complex stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Egypt: Release protesters and activists detained over Palestine solidarity – Amnesty International
- Diverse Participation: Historically, Palestinian solidarity movement was more prevalent among minority communities, university campuses, and on the political fringe. However, the current wave of protests has attracted a wider range of activists.
- Protests are driven by a growing pro-Palestinian sentiment among young people.
- The growing number of civilian casualties in Gaza as a result of Israel’s military response has sparked indignation.
Broader Activism: People are becoming interested in topics such as reproductive rights, Black Lives Matter, and democracy. - United Kingdom:
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- In London, an estimated 300,000 pro-Palestinian protesters marched, demanding a Gaza ceasefire. This rally was the largest in the UK since the Israel-Gaza war began.
The offensive launched by Israel in retaliation has killed nearly 38,000 people, according to the Gaza health ministry, and has left the heavily built-up coastal enclave in ruins.
Both Israel and Hamas committed war crimes in the early stages of the Gaza war, a U.N. inquiry found last month, saying that Israel’s actions also constituted crimes against humanity because of the immense civilian losses.
Since the war began, Australia has hosted a number of pro-Palestine events, including weekly demonstrations in major cities and a months-long occupation of university campuses.
