Feb 9 • 00:08 UTC 🇶🇦 Qatar Al Jazeera

Anticipated protests in Sydney against the visit of the Israeli president

Pro-Palestinian groups are set to protest in Sydney against Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit amid intense security measures and calls for the visit to be canceled.

Pro-Palestinian groups in Sydney, Australia, are planning to gather for protests today against the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog. This demonstration comes alongside significant security measures implemented by local authorities, with around 3,000 police officers deployed across the city to ensure order during what is declared an 'important event.' The protests arise from increased tensions and public calls from academics and Jewish figures against the visit, emphasizing a divide on the issue of Israeli-Palestinian relations in Australia.

Upon his arrival at the scene of a tragic shooting at Bondi Beach, Herzog expressed a defiant attitude, stating that 'Jews will overcome this evil,' indicative of the ongoing and complex narrative surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Police have granted themselves extraordinary powers to manage the protests, including the authority to search vehicles, disperse crowds, and restrict access to certain areas, underlining the strained atmosphere surrounding the President's visit. Despite these measures, protest organizers plan to gather at the historic Town Hall, contrary to police recommendations to meet in a public park for safety reasons.

The situation reflects heightened tensions not only in the local community but also reveals broader implications regarding Australia's stance on international issues. The 'Palestinian Action Group' has called for a national day of protest, which suggests a growing mobilization for pro-Palestinian advocacy within Australia. The aftermath of this event could indicate shifts in public opinion and political discourse regarding the Israeli-Palestinian issue in the Australian context, showcasing the deepening of social divides on this subject.

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