Against Israeli President’s Visit to Australia

Pro-Palestine groups in Australia have announced nationwide protests against the upcoming visit of the Israeli president, stating that he should not be allowed to avoid public scrutiny over Israel’s actions in Gaza.

The Israeli president is scheduled to visit Sydney on Monday to attend a memorial event for the victims of the Bondi Beach attack that took place in December, in which 15 people were killed. The incident is regarded as one of the deadliest mass attacks in Australia in recent decades.

Following the attack, the state of New South Wales passed legislation granting police temporary powers to restrict public protests. Using these powers, authorities have imposed restrictions on demonstrations in certain central areas of Sydney during the president’s visit.

Despite these restrictions, the Palestine Action Group has announced plans to hold a protest march starting from Sydney’s Town Hall. Similar demonstrations are also expected to take place in other major cities, including Melbourne, Perth, and the capital, Canberra.

Human Rights Groups Criticise the Visit

The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network, a national coalition supporting Palestinian human rights, has strongly opposed the visit, stating that the Israeli president should be held accountable rather than welcomed.

Human rights organisation Amnesty International’s Australia chapter has also called on the public to participate in protests, citing the president’s role in Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza.

Australia’s Progressive Jewish Council has likewise criticised the visit, stating that the grief of the Bondi Beach attack victims should not be used to legitimise political leaders.

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Legal Challenges and Government Response

Last week, a coalition of civil society groups submitted a legal complaint urging authorities to deny the Israeli president a visa and to initiate a criminal investigation under Australian law. However, federal police officials ruled out any action, citing the president’s full diplomatic immunity.

Meanwhile, Australia’s prime minister urged protesters to respect the solemn nature of the visit, emphasising that the trip is intended to show solidarity with members of the Jewish community mourning the victims of the Bondi Beach attack.

Activists, however, argue that international leaders should not be immune from peaceful protest, particularly when international bodies have raised serious concerns about human rights violations in Gaza.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians, with many more believed to remain trapped under the rubble and unaccounted for.