ABC NEWS has obtained new footage that sheds light on the events leading up to the confrontation between NSW Police officers and a protester at a Town Hall protest against Israeli President Isaac Herzog. The video, shared by a protester named James, captures a minute's worth of interaction before the violence erupted. It shows a gathering of protesters at George Street, where the man in a white shirt exchanges words with a bike squad officer.

This new footage is crucial as it follows the viral clip shared by Greens senator David Shoebridge, which only showcased the violent moment where the man was punched multiple times. The missing prelude to the violent altercation highlighted in this new video suggests the initial provocations that led to the confrontation, thus framing it in a more comprehensive context. Such details are essential for understanding the dynamics of the protest and the police response.

The incident raises questions about police conduct during public demonstrations, especially in relation to freedom of expression and the rights of protesters. The incident at Town Hall may lead to further discussions and scrutiny regarding policing methods during protests, as this footage offers a raw look at the tensions that can arise when police and demonstrators meet.