Australian politicians have called for calm and peaceful protests after violent incidents erupted against the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog. This visit, occurring over four days, is a response to an attack on December 14 that claimed 15 lives during a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach, marking one of Australia’s worst attacks in decades. The backdrop of Herzog's visit is the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has heightened tensions and sparked protests from pro-Palestinian organizations.

On Monday, demonstrators took to the streets in various cities, particularly in Sydney, where tensions escalated into clashes with police near the city hall. The protests, driven by discontent over the situation in Gaza, were marked by heavy police presence to maintain order amidst fears of violence. Amidst the unrest, 27 individuals were arrested, with some facing charges related to violence during the protests.

The calls for calm from political leaders highlight the delicate balance of managing public sentiment and maintaining order during such politically charged events. As the tensions surrounding Herzog's visit and the plight of Gaza continue, the Australian government is navigating a complex landscape where expressions of dissent and the need for peaceful discourse are becoming increasingly important to avoid further escalations in public unrest.