Thousands of people gathered outside Australia’s Parliament House in Canberra and in several major cities to voice opposition during the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Demonstrators assembled in significant numbers near key political landmarks, holding Palestinian flags and placards condemning the ongoing genocidal war in Gaza, turning the visit into a focal point for nationwide public anger.

In Canberra, crowds remained outside Parliament House as protests continued throughout the day, joined by political figures including independent senator David Pocock and Greens senator Larissa Waters. Similar scenes unfolded in Melbourne, where marchers moved through central streets to reject the visit, highlighting growing domestic pressure on Australian leaders over their stance on the situation in Gaza.

In Sydney, the mobilisation reached its largest scale, with thousands attempting to move towards the city’s town hall. Police intervened to block the route and detained several protesters, prompting widespread debate after videos of the operation circulated online. Authorities defended their actions, while critics questioned the handling of peaceful demonstrations linked to international human rights concerns. Although the visit was framed as a routine diplomatic engagement, it unfolded against a backdrop of intense scrutiny over mass civilian casualties, widespread destruction, and the continued detention of Palestinian prisoners amid the genocidal war.