NSW Premier Condemns Pro-Palestine Rally on Hamas Attack Anniversary in Sydney

Authorities in New South Wales, Australia, have strongly criticized a pro-Palestine group's plan to hold a "Glory to Our Martyrs" event in Sydney on the second anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks, calling the timing "shockingly insensitive" and accusing it of glorifying terrorism rather than highlighting civilian suffering. The event, organized by Stand for Palestine Australia, has sparked backlash from NSW Premier Chris Minns and other political leaders, who emphasized the need for sensitivity toward victims of the 2023 attacks that killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and left around 20 hostages still believed to be alive in Gaza. Palestinian activist Ramia Abdo Sultan, a scheduled speaker, defended the event, arguing Palestinians have been silenced and denied the right to grieve amid the ongoing suffering caused by Israeli military strikes that have killed over 67,000 Palestinians and displaced much of Gaza's population. Pro-Palestine demonstrations have been frequent in Australian cities, with a large rally also planned at the Sydney Opera House, prompting objections from Jewish organizations and police citing safety concerns. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned any protests on October 7, warning they could undermine support for the Palestinian cause, while his government and others have recently recognized the State of Palestine in pursuit of a two-state solution. The tensions reflect broader societal divisions and an increase in both antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents in Australia.