Rallies against Israel's aggression continue

Four hundred people rallied in Sydney outside Town Hall on January 31 to protest against the criminal blockade and attacks on the people of Gaza.

The demonstration was organised by the Gaza Defence Committee (GDC), a group that has organised a number of protests since the latest attacks on Gaza began.

Speakers at Town Hall included Aisha Chabou, Fatima East and Aaron Benedeck from GDC, Maha Habib and academic Heather Goodall.

The demonstration then marched to Hyde Park, where a huge screen had been installed to play footage from Gaza and protests around the world.

On the same day, Alex Bainbride reports from Perth that 250 people gathered in Forrest Place and were well-received by passers-by as they marched through the streets of the CBD.

There were loud cheers as the chair announced the recent resolution passed by the MUA (see article on this page).

"How can a baby be Hamas? How can a mosque be Hamas? How can a hospital be Hamas?", asked a speaker from Perth Islamic College, highlighting Israel's outrageous targeting of civilians.

Yara Cortez, a Christian Palestinian, said: "Hamas is the democratically elected government of Palestine. It's hypocritical for the West to only accept governments that they agree with. The people of Palestine have a right to defend themselves with arms from occupation." This was also greeted with rapturous applause.

The action was organised by Friends of Palestine WA, which is also holding weekly vigils at Wesley Church at 5.30pm on Fridays.

From GLW issue 781