Thousands protest across Sydney and Melbourne in support of Palestine, Israel

Palestinian and Israeli supporters are set to congregate in Sydney’s CBD in their thousands on Sunday, in a show of support as division among communities increases over the Middle Eastern conflict.

In Sydney, members of the Jewish community have organised a rally in solidarity with the people of Israel, bringing to attention the plight of the estimated 200 people, including 30 teenagers and young children and 20 people over the age of 60, who are being held hostage by militant group Hamas in Gaza.

Organisers of the “Bring them home” rally held in Martin Place on Sunday morning, have arranged empty prams alongside empty shoes to represent the children and adults taken hostage.

A similar pro-Israeli demonstration is also expected in Melbourne on Sunday, with protesters set to gather in Caulfield Park.

Thousands are anticipated to attend a rally in support of Palestine held in Sydney’s Hyde Park from 2pm on Sunday.

Hosted by the Sydney arm of the Palestine Action Group, organisers expect to top attendance numbers for a protest it held last weekend. The group claimed some 30,000 people attended in opposition to the government’s support for Israel.

“The Australian government continues to give full support to Israel’s war crimes, even sending troops to the Middle East to act as Israel’s protector,” the rally’s organisers said in a statement on Facebook.

“End the Australian government’s support for apartheid Israel and its war crimes against the Palestinians!”

The Australian government has supported Israel’s right to defend itself after the bloody incursion by Hamas in Israel that killed 1,400 people on October 7.

In Gaza, the death toll has climbed to 7,650, according to the Palestinian health ministry, since Israeli air strikes began three weeks ago.

Speaking on Sky News on Sunday, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton condemned the pro-Palestinian protests held earlier this month where some participants shouted anti-Semitic chants.

Mr Dutton claimed similar events could rubbish Australia’s international standing.

“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,” Mr Dutton said.

“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.”

More than 1000 police officers are expected to be present at the demonstrations in Sydney to ensure the safety of protesters.