‘From the River to the Sea, Palestine Will Be Free’ Flag Hung on Roof of Australian Parliament: watch
In a bold demonstration that has captured national and international attention, pro-Palestine protesters scaled the roof of Australia’s Parliament House in Canberra, unfurling several banners with powerful messages.
Among these was the prominent slogan, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” a phrase often associated with the call for Palestinian liberation.
The protest took place on a Thursday and involved four members of the Renegade Activists group.
Dressed in dark clothing, they stood on the roof of the national parliament for about an hour.
Alongside the notable “From the river to the sea” banner, they also displayed another that read, “No peace on stolen land.”
One of the protesters delivered a speech via megaphone, accusing the Israeli government of committing “war crimes” in Gaza with the support of the United States and alleging that the Australian government was complicit in these actions.
The protester declared, “We declare to the Australian government we will continue to unmask and resist the US imperial, hegemonic and capitalist interests you devote yourself to.
Australia continues to enable and commit war crimes as lackeys to our ‘great and powerful’ friends.”
The protest was quickly noted as a serious security breach.
A handful of police and security officers advised onlookers to avoid walking directly under the protest area at the main entrance of the building.
More officers were seen on the roof attempting to remove the protesters. By 11:30am local time, the protesters had packed up their banners and were escorted away by waiting police.
Pro-Palestine protesters climb the roof of Australia’s Parliament House in Canberra and unfurl banners and chant pro-Palestinian slogans. They were soon arrested by the police for breach of security. #Australia #Palestine
— Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) July 4, 2024
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“This is a serious breach of the Parliament’s security,” opposition Home Affairs spokesperson James Paterson commented on social media platform X.
“The building was modified at great expense to prevent incursions like this. An investigation is required.”
The demonstration comes amidst ongoing tensions and conflict in Gaza.
The latest war began on October 7, when Palestinian fighters from Hamas launched an attack in southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the capture of about 250 others.
In retaliation, Israel’s military actions in Gaza have led to nearly 38,000 deaths, widespread displacement, and significant destruction in the densely populated enclave.
International responses to the conflict have varied. South Africa recently petitioned the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Israel of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
A United Nations inquiry found that both Israel and Hamas committed war crimes in the early stages of the conflict, with the inquiry further suggesting that Israel’s actions could constitute crimes against humanity due to the extensive civilian casualties.
In Australia, the protest reflects a broader wave of pro-Palestine activism.
There have been weekly demonstrations in major cities and a months-long occupation of university campuses.
The political landscape has also been affected; the Labor Party suspended Senator Fatima Payman indefinitely after she voted in favor of recognizing Palestinian statehood, defying government policy.
Payman described her suspension as being “exiled” for supporting the motion put forward by the Greens party.
Although Australia does not currently recognize Palestinian statehood, Foreign Minister Penny Wong hinted in May that the country might do so before a formal peace process between Israel and Palestinian authorities is completed.
The dramatic protest at Australia’s Parliament House underscores the intensity of the ongoing debate over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, both globally and within Australia.
The Renegade Activists’ bold action has brought renewed attention to the issue, highlighting the passionate advocacy for Palestinian rights and the complex geopolitical dynamics at play.
As the conflict continues, such demonstrations are likely to persist, reflecting deep-seated divisions and the urgent call for justice and peace in the region.
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