Supporters of Palestine in Australia took to the streets in Sydney and Melbourne ahead of the first anniversary of attacks by Hamas in Israel. Protests were scheduled in multiple cities, with participants cautioned against displaying symbols of terrorist groups like Hezbollah. Despite efforts by police in New South Wales to block the rally, an agreement was reached to allow the event with a changed route.
UN Secretary General António Guterres released a video message on the eve of the attack anniversary, condemning the violence and calling for peace. The US state department evacuated 145 citizens and residents from Lebanon as tensions escalated. Israeli air strikes at a Gaza mosque reportedly killed 18 and injured dozens, with the military stating the site was used by Hamas.
Israel conducted air strikes in Beirut and targeting Gaza and the West Bank, while tensions between Israel and Iran escalated. Iranian officials warned of strong retaliation to any Israeli attack, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized France for calling for a halt to arms deliveries. The Irish president condemned Israel’s demand for UN peacekeepers to leave southern Lebanon.
These events mark a continued escalation of conflict in the Middle East, with multiple parties urging for peace and calling for an end to the violence that has claimed lives and displaced many. International leaders are seeking solutions to the crisis to ensure a lasting peace for all involved parties.
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