The New South Wales (NSW) Police have defended their response to a protest in Sydney that turned violent during a demonstration against the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Organised by the Palestine Action Group (PAG), the protest began peacefully with an estimated 6,000 participants gathering at Town Hall. However, tensions escalated when demonstrators attempted to march to the NSW Parliament despite laws prohibiting such action under the Public Assembly Restriction Declaration (PARD) and the Major Events Act. This led to confrontations between police and protesters, resulting in the arrest of 27 individuals, including 10 for assaulting officers.

As police attempted to clear the contentious area, Assistant Commissioner Peter McGhee spoke publicly to justify the officers' actions, suggesting their response was necessary for maintaining order and public safety. The rally's organizers had expected a peaceful demonstration, but the situation quickly deteriorated as protesters became increasingly agitated, calling for the right to march. The clash highlights ongoing tensions surrounding international political figures visiting Australia and raises questions about the balance between the right to protest and public safety measures.

The aftermath of the rally points to the growing divisiveness surrounding issues related to Israel and Palestine, especially in the context of Australia’s diplomatic ties and local activism practices. Community leaders and activists continue to debate the implications of police interventions in protest situations, as calls for accountability and rights to peaceful assembly resonate within affected communities. This incident may prompt further discussions on how law enforcement manages large-scale demonstrations while respecting civil liberties.