The Labor Friends of Palestine, a faction of the Australian Labor Party, has expressed profound concern regarding the police's handling of protests that erupted during Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to Sydney. In their communication to the New South Wales police minister, they emphasized feelings of 'distress and disgust' over the perceived heavy-handed tactics employed by police against demonstrators. Eyewitness accounts, bolstered by mobile footage, depicted instances of police officers using pepper spray on peaceful protesters, physically assaulting individuals who were surrendering, and aggressively removing demonstrators, including those engaged in prayer.

The Labor group pointed to a significant erosion of civil liberties occurring under the current Labor government, which they claim has failed to protect the rights of citizens protesting against the government's stance on international issues, specifically Israeli actions in Palestine. They voiced disappointment that a government they supported and campaigned for is now associated with actions they view as facilitating police violence against protestors, undermining the democratic ideals of free speech and assembly.

By demanding an independent investigation, the Labor Friends of Palestine not only seek accountability for the police's actions but also aim to restore public trust in the state's law enforcement agencies. This incident raises critical questions about the balance between maintaining order during protests and respecting citizens' rights to express dissent, particularly regarding contentious international matters. The outcome of this scenario could influence future policing strategies and the public’s perception of the state's commitment to civil liberties.