Australia: Pro-Palestine protests nationwide, demands for arms embargo on Israel

Canberra,
Pro-Palestine demonstrators gathered in Australian cities on Wednesday, a day before the third anniversary of the start of Israel’s war on Gaza, calling on the government to impose sanctions and a two-way arms embargo on Israel.
Melbourne’s Herald Sun reported that about 70 activists gathered outside the State Library of Victoria for an all-day vigil. Palestinian flags were flown on the library grounds, and a cutout of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu labeled “genocide criminal” was displayed. The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in November 2024 over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza, and has listed him as a fugitive.
On the library steps, protesters unfurled a large Palestinian flag alongside photos and other displays, with one banner reading “We will remain, we will rebuild.” Organizers urged participants to mourn Palestinians killed in Gaza peacefully. The Herald Sun also reported brief verbal clashes during the gathering, though organizers urged protesters not to engage. Extra police officers were deployed after counter-protesters arrived.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that a separate pro-Palestine demonstration was scheduled for Sydney Town Hall on Wednesday evening, with another gathering planned in Wollongong. More rallies are scheduled across Australia on Sunday.
The Alliance of Australian Muslims (AAM) and the Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) said in a statement shared on X that three years of Israeli attacks have brought killing, destruction, displacement, hunger and immense suffering to Palestinians. The groups urged the Australian government to impose “meaningful sanctions” and “a comprehensive two-way arms embargo” on Israel, and to ensure Australia does not directly or indirectly contribute to violations of international law.
Protesters also called for unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza and support for rebuilding civilian infrastructure. The demands come amid scrutiny of Australia-Israel defense ties. According to Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on defense industry cooperation in 2017, and annual strategic defense talks began in 2018. Australia is also part of the global supply chain for the F-35 fighter jets used by Israel, with more than 70 Australian companies supplying parts to the program. The Australian government says it does not directly supply arms or ammunition to Israel.
The Muslim groups said Australia’s recognition of the State of Palestine in September 2025 was an important step, but must be followed by concrete political and diplomatic action. According to Palestinian figures, Israel’s genocide in Gaza since October 2023 has killed more than 74,200 Palestinians and wounded more than 175,200.