Pro-Palestine rally in Sydney marked by heavy police presence as officers swarm to Hyde Park

Police officers have swarmed Hyde Park in the heart of Sydney to quell an unauthorized pro-Palestine protest scheduled to start later today.

Hundreds of protesters are expected to flock to the CBD on Sunday afternoon to rally against renewed bloodshed in the Middle East after Hamas militants attacked Israel last week.

In a show of force, more than 1,000 police are on standby to deal with demonstrators after tense scenes erupted at a similar rally on Monday night as the Sydney Opera House was lit up in blue and white in a show of support. for Israel.

Shocking footage from the event showed attendees chanting anti-Semitic slogans including ‘gas the Jews’ and ‘f*** Israel’ and throwing flames.

Police officers have swarmed Hyde Park in the heart of Sydney to quell an unauthorized pro-Palestine protest scheduled to start later today.

Hundreds of protesters are expected to flock to the CBD on Sunday afternoon to rally against renewed bloodshed in the Middle East after Hamas militants attacked Israel last week

Sunday’s protest was originally planned as a march through the streets of Sydney, starting at Town Hall, but was canceled just days in favor of a static demonstration after organizers failed to authorize the rally.

The authorization requires organizers to submit an application for approval at least seven days before the gathering.

Protesters gathered since midday, holding placards expressing solidarity and support for the Palestinians.

“Chris Minns wanted to stop Palestinian support – he chose the wrong war, free Palestine,” read one woman’s homemade sign.

NSW Police this week announced stepped-up security measures and ‘extraordinary powers’ as Premier Chris Minns vowed to crack down on protest activity.

The powers, which allow police to search protesters without reason and arrest people who refuse to identify themselves, were introduced after the 2005 Cronulla riots.

Daily Mail Australia witnessed a large police presence on Sunday afternoon, with mounted officers patrolling the streets.

Four men who were in a car with Palestinian flags were pulled over and searched outside the Jewish synagogue by motorcycle police before being released.

A man waves a Palestinian flag in central Sydney

NSW Police this week announced increased security measures after Premier Chris Minns vowed to crack down on protest activity

Event co-organizer Amal Naser said the decision to make the protest static was due to legal issues that ensured police protection.

“We will hold a static protest. We will be out loud and proud and we will not bow to the pressures we have experienced from the police and the Prime Minister,” she said on Thursday.

“We fully intend to march next week and every week after that for as long as we need to.”

Ms Nasser said the demonstration was to show support for “what is happening in Gaza right now”.

She said event organizers had been warned they were unlikely to get approval for future demonstrations, but would challenge those decisions in the High Court.

Sunday’s protest was originally planned as a march through the streets of Sydney, starting at Town Hall, but was canceled just days in favor of a static demonstration after organizers failed to authorize the rally.

Minns was criticized for failing to stop the heated protest on Monday after disturbing photos emerged of demonstrators burning the Israeli flag.

Meanwhile, an Israeli supporter was arrested as he went to unfurl a black and white flag, sparking widespread outrage.

“I really want to make it clear to the Jewish community that I want to apologize to them specifically, on behalf of the government and myself as premier of NSW,” Mr Minns said.

Police on horses and bicycles could be seen patrolling Hyde Park and standing outside the Jewish synagogue on Sunday.

A group of men carrying a Palestinian flag arrived shortly after, standing in front of the officers as they silently carried the cloth.

The protest is expected to start at 13:00.