Pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered in several Australian cities on Wednesday, ahead of the third anniversary of the outbreak of the Gaza war, as Muslim organisations urged the Australian government to impose sanctions and a two-way arms embargo on Israel.
In Melbourne, around 70 activists assembled outside the State Library of Victoria for a day-long vigil. Palestinian flags, photographs and other displays were placed around the library grounds, alongside a banner declaring: “We shall remain, we shall rebuild.”
A cutout depicting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and describing him as a “Genocide Criminal” was also displayed. The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in November 2024 over allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Israel has rejected the ICC’s allegations and jurisdiction.
Organisers said the Melbourne event was intended as a peaceful commemoration of Palestinians killed in Gaza. Brief verbal confrontations were reported after counter-protesters arrived, prompting an increased police presence, while organisers urged participants not to engage.
Separate gatherings were also planned in Sydney and Wollongong, with further pro-Palestinian demonstrations scheduled across Australia on Sunday.
The Alliance of Australian Muslims (AAM) and Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) used the anniversary to call for stronger action from Canberra, saying Palestinians had endured three years of “killing, destruction, displacement, starvation and immense suffering.”
The organisations urged Australia to introduce “meaningful sanctions” against Israel and establish “a comprehensive two-way arms embargo.” They also called for unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza and greater support for rebuilding civilian infrastructure.
Their demands come amid continuing scrutiny of Australia’s defence relationship with Israel. The countries signed a defence-industry cooperation agreement in 2017, while Australian companies have participated in the international supply chain for F-35 fighter aircraft. The Australian government maintains that it does not directly supply Israel with weapons or ammunition.
The groups welcomed Australia’s recognition of the State of Palestine in September 2025 but argued that recognition should be accompanied by further diplomatic and political measures.
Palestinian authorities say more than 74,200 Palestinians have been killed and over 175,200 injured in Gaza since October 2023. Israel disputes accusations that its military campaign constitutes genocide, while the issue remains the subject of international legal proceedings.