Large crowds took to the streets across Australia as the Israeli president arrived for an official visit, prompting demonstrations in several major cities. In Sydney, thousands gathered outside Town Hall, waving Palestinian flags and holding placards denouncing Israel’s actions amid the ongoing genocidal war. Chants echoed through the city centre as protesters sought to disrupt the official programme surrounding the visit.

Police moved forcefully to disperse the crowd, deploying pepper spray and pushing demonstrators and media workers away from the area. Similar scenes unfolded in Melbourne, where thousands marched through central streets lined with Palestinian flags. Protesters carried banners bearing messages rejecting genocide and condemning political support for Israel’s military campaign. In Adelaide, demonstrators assembled outside Parliament, repeating calls for accountability and an end to policies they say have devastated Gaza.

Footage shared online showed repeated police charges against protesters, including mounted officers and the use of chemical spray. Politicians and civil rights advocates questioned the conduct of law enforcement, particularly after images circulated of officers striking a protester who appeared to have his hands raised. Additional policing powers had reportedly been authorised in New South Wales ahead of the visit, a move critics say contributed to the escalation.

Australian authorities described the four-day visit as an act of solidarity following a deadly attack in Sydney late last year. However, opposition to the visit was not limited to the streets. Some members of Australia’s Jewish community also spoke out, arguing that the Israeli president’s role in the ongoing destruction of Gaza made the visit unacceptable. International scrutiny has intensified in recent years, with UN investigators previously warning that senior Israeli figures could face legal consequences over statements and actions linked to the genocidal war against Palestinians.