Thousands gather at pro-Palestine demonstrations around the country as October 7 anniversary approaches

Hundreds of thousands of protesters, across the country over the course of a year. "Gaza’s been bombed into oblivion for 365 days I stand with the people of Gaza and the people of Lebanon" A surprise Hamas attack in Israel in October last year killed 12 hundred people, and around 250 more were taken hostage. It was followed by an Israeli offensive that has killed more than 41,000 Palestinians and levelled most of Gaza. "It's not about Israel it's about the Palestinians who's been killed for a year in Palestine" "It's a very important cause! Whatever the world is allowing to occur now is a crime" In Melbourne, protesters laid 16 thousand small paper kites each representing the life of a child killed in Gaza. Meanwhile police kept a watchful eye for banned symbols including the Hezbollah flag. The group, along with Hamas, are designated terrorist organisations by the Australian government. In total five people have been arrested nationwide four in Melbourne and one in Sydney. “For Displaying a Nazi Symbol on a flag” “People involved in the assembly today, the protest march were very compliant with police directions overall” Through rain, wind and sunshine, protesters appeared week in and week out calling upon the Australian government to act. The protestors say they feel their calls have been falling on deaf ears. "What we’re hearing from our own government is that full support for Israel, absolutely none for Palestine. absolutely none for Lebanon. our voices are not being heard. not one bit." The victims of the October 7 attack have also been remembered around the country. "We want this war to end because we love every human being, and we want the people in Gaza and Lebanon to live in peace." We've seen a horrific rise in antisemitism since October 7 and even to think that many Jews did not feel safe to come out here today, because of the worry that this event would be hijacked. “I've never felt unsafe at these rallies” “I stand in solidarity with them. Occupation is not a Jewish value. Supporting endless war in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria is not a Jewish value. A Jewish value is humanity.” Events will be held tomorrow to mourn all those killed in the war.