Pro-Palestine rallies and vigils are set to go ahead in multiple cities over the weekend and on Monday, which marks the first anniversary of the ignition by Hamas of a fresh, deadly conflict with Israel.
While the main organisers of the Sydney rallies say they will hold only a static vigil for killed Gazans in the city centre on Monday, another event will take place at Lakemba Mosque.
The organisers behind that rally, reportedly with links to Islamic fundamentalists, said October 7 was the time to send a "defiant message" and "express outrage" about the mass killing of Gazans.
The rally has been granted a permit by police.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged anyone planning demonstrations on the anniversary of the greatest loss of Jewish life since the Holocaust to reconsider for what should be a solemn day.
"Think about whether your cause is being advanced or set back," he said in western Sydney.
Senior Labor figures in Victoria and NSW have also pressed against pro-Palestine rallies on Monday.
Protesters should consider whether rallying on October 7 helped their cause, Anthony Albanese said. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)
The right to protest was a "fundamental right in any thriving democracy" but protesting Israel's actions in the Middle East on such an anniversary was inappropriate, Victorian minister Mary-Anne Thomas said.
State Opposition leader John Pesutto called on the government to exhaust all options to stop any events on Monday.
Police chiefs earlier united behind concerns some people could again use the rallies to display symbols linked to designated terror groups like Hezbollah.
A statement, signed by the heads of every police force in the nation, warned inciting violence on race or religious grounds was illegal, including through the public display of prohibited symbols.
Praising or encouraging terrorism was also a serious offence, the statement said.
Protests last weekend featured a small number Hezbollah flags and images of leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was assassinated by Israel.
Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton falsely suggested police had said they would have zero tolerance for any pro-Palestinian rallies on October 7 but he welcomed signals that supporters of Hamas and Hezbollah would face arrest.
"People who are out supporting glorifying leaders of terrorist organisations, they should be held to account and they should be condemned for their actions," he said.
The flying of the Hezbollah flag by a small number of protesters has been condemned by politicians. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)
Organisers of a key rally in Sydney brokered a deal with police late on Thursday to not march near the city's Great Synagogue on Sunday.
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna said organisers gave an undertaking that no flags, portraits, symbols or other support for any prescribed terrorist organisation would be permitted.
"If they stick to that agreement and the people who come to this protest do it in good faith and for the right reasons, then hopefully they'll be able to come in and come out and there will be no issues," he said.
Hamas massacred about 1200 people and took another 250 hostage during a surprise invasion on October 7, 2023, according to Israel.
A counter-attack in occupied Gaza has killed more than 41,000 people, according to Palestinian officials, with the majority of its more than two million residents facing starvation and homelessness.
NSW Premier Chris Minns will attend a vigil organised by Jewish leaders but has called for pro-Palestinian groups to pause activities for the day.
Jacki and Neil Dand are critical of the police crackdown on protesters. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)
Octogenarians Jacki and Neil Dand said they planned to attend the Sydney rally on Sunday, having made the long trip from their home on the Hawkesbury River more than 40 times for the weekly pro-Palestine events over the past year.
"We have the right to protest and they have no reason to stop us," Ms Dand, 84, told AAP.
"I don't know why (the protests) are a problem now, just because it is this weekend."
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