Defence Minister Richard Marles had his office infiltrated by an impassioned crowd of protestors. The group, identifying themselves as members of the anti-Zionist Jewish community, created a scene in Mr. Marles’ Geelong office by chaining themselves to various fixtures in the reception area using bike locks. They made their stance clear through chants which voiced the urge to “end the genocide” in Gaza.
The demonstration did not confine itself to the office’s premises as additional protestors congregated outside of the lobby. Their messages were clear, and further emphasized with large hand-painted banners spread across the lobby floor, advocating for “Free Palestine” and denouncing the LNP support of “ethnic cleansing”.
The police arrived shortly after 10am in response to the disruption, encircling the crowd to monitor the escalating situation. Despite authorities’ presence, protestors remained undeterred, steadfastly refusing to depart the premises. Their presence has been a recurring scene at Mr. Marle’s electorate office for over three years.
One particularly vehement protestor articulated her reasons for participating in the sit-in via social media. She identified as a descendent of Holocaust survivors and adamantly disapproved of “Israel’s far-right government weaponising our grief, pain, and fear for the purpose of war crimes, invasion, and genocide”.
Another demonstrator echoed the sentiment of poor monetary management, decrying taxpayer funds being “funnelled into the pockets of giant weapons corporations.”
Amidst the uproar, Mr Marles, currently visiting Washington DC, communicated his concern for the safety of his staff. He condemned any act of destruction or abuse of property during the protests.
Parallel to the domestic situation, Anthony Albanese engaged in a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in his first dialogue since the October 7 attack. In Sydney, Mr Albanese maintained that while Israel had a right to self-defence, the manner of defending mattered. A fact that was underscored with his concern for humanitarian issues in Gaza, and the urgent need to protect all civilians and apply the international rule of law.
In the wake of these events, Mr Albanese’s office has requested further communication with Mr Netanyahu, reflecting the severity and international ramifications of the situation.
