Palestinian supporters mark Global Day for Gaza

Palestinian supporters across Australia mark Global Day for Gaza In short: Pro-Palestinian supporters are gathering across Australia as part of the Global Day for Gaza. Protesters carrying Palestinian flags and wearing keffiyehs are calling for an end to Australia's arms trade with Israel. They are also calling for "true peace in Gaza" and the West Bank. Pro-Palestinian rallies are taking place across the country to mark the lives lost in the three years of Israel's retaliatory campaign in Gaza following the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack. As part of the Global Day for Gaza, protesters are gathering in capital cities and various regional locations. In Hobart, hundreds of people marched along the waterfront, with many waving Palestinian flags, holding placards and chanting "the West Bank will be free". The group began congregating from about 11am and later made their way to the Tasmanian Parliament where they heard from speakers including the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre's Nala Mansell, and Feras Shaheen, from the Tasmanian Palestine Advocacy Network. Mr Shaheen urged protesters to ramp up their advocacy, saying new measures were needed to end the war in Gaza. "What else can you do in your spaces… there is still a lot to do,"he said. 'True peace' for Gaza and West Bank According to the Gaza health ministry, more than 74,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza and more than 175,000 injured. The UN estimates 1.9 million people have been displaced. Hunter Valley woman Lynn Benn, from environmental group the Knitting Nannas, was among the protesters at Newcastle's Civic Park. She told the ABC that many had turned out because they were angry about the ongoing situation in Gaza. "Food supplies are restricted, critical medical supplies are restricted, and there are thousands and thousands of children in there," she said. "This has been going on for three years, which is horrendous. Standing back and letting this happen is appalling, and that's why we're here." Ms Benn said she wanted to see “true peace” in Gaza and the West Bank. Niko Leka, from Palestine Action Group Muloobinba, said while today was a globally significant day, he and many other Novocastrians have been turning up to protest the war for years. “Showing up here is another intervention, a peaceful intervention,” Dr Leka said. “The action that is required is for the Australian government to pay heed to the requirements of international law. "No more arms trade with Israel, no more investment, stopping our relationships with their universities until they start obeying international law.” [Image text:] PALESTINE END ISRAEL'S MLEGA PARTHEID, WRONG IN WRONGIN