While people are shopping, bombs are dropping and protests aren't stopping

December 17, 2023

Issue

Sit-down protest in Meanjin/Brisbane on December 17. Photo: Alex Bainbridge

Protesters were not deterred by Christmas distractions, summer heat or the long overdue and hypocritical Australian vote at the United Nations for a “humanitarian ceasefire”. Tens of thousands rallied for the tenth consecutive week on December 17.

Australia's December 13 vote for a ceasefire contrasts to an abstention on a similar motion at the United Nations General Assembly in October.

It was a concession to the popular outrage about Israel's genocidal slaughter of civilians including journalists, health workers and even Israeli hostages.

It reflects the strength of the ongoing protest movement.

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Labor released a joint statement with Canada and New Zealand on December 13 clarifying that the government's position is for “steps towards a ceasefire”, not an immediate ceasefire.

It also wants a “sustainable” — not a permanent — ceasefire and it wants a ceasefire which includes demands on Hamas, not Israel, even though Israel is the only party committing genocide.

Echoing Israeli propaganda foreign minister Penny Wong said that “Hamas is dedicated to the destruction of Israel and to harming the Jewish people”.

“Hamas has no place in the future governance of Gaza,” she said.

This, as well as Israel's ongoing slaughter, is why the protest movement continues.

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Marching for Gaza in Naarm/Melbourne. Photo: Jordan AK

Tens of thousands gathered at the State Library in Naarm/Melbourne to call for an immediate ceasefire, end to the occupation and genocide and for a free and liberated Palestine, reports Jordan AK.

“For a long time, Palestinians have felt alone in their struggle against injustice and oppression,” a recently-graduated journalism student told the crowd. “You, friends, have shown us and the world that Palestinians are not alone.”

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Israel is committing war crimes, Naarm/Melbourne

Israel is committing war crimes and genocide, Naarm/Melbourne. Photo: Jordan AK

She criticised universities making military contracts with weapons' companies such as Lockheed Martin.

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Free Palestine rally outside Kate Thwaites' office. Photo: Jordan AK

The rally came a day after a small but successful protest in Heidelberg, reports Mary Merkenich. 150 people gathered in front of federal MP Kate Thwaites' office.

Four speakers addressed the lively crowd, chanting Free Palestine and calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire.

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Marching in Gadi/Sydney. Photo: Peter Boyle

More than 10,000 people marched through the centre of Gadi/Sydney for the 10th weekend in a row, reports Peter Boyle. As one placard said, “While people are shopping, bombs are dropping”.

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The Sydney City Council also passed a motion calling for a ceasefire on December 11.

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Protest genocide, Gadi/Sydney. Photo: Peter Boyle

Brutal heat didn't deter 2000 people in Meanjin/Brisbane. After rallying in Queens Gardens, the march stopped traffic for an extended sit-down protest in Adelaide Street.

Speakers paid tribute to the activists who painted a giant Palestinian flag in the corner of Vulture and Boudary Streets in West End. Hundreds of people defended the painted flag when council moved in to clean it off on December 13.

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Passionate march in Meanjin/Brisbane. Photo: Alex Bainbridge

The rally also followed a spirited sit-in at treasurer Jim Chalmers' electoral office on December 13 and an “emergency ride” (linked to the “Big Ride”) for Palestine on December 17.

Friends of Palestine WA organised a 2000-strong rally in Boorloo/Perth on December 15, reports Alex Salmon.

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Tribute to Dr Refaat Aleer, Boorloo/Perth. Photo: Alex Salmon

Protesters paid respects to at least 20,000 people, including 7000 children, Israel has killed since October 7.

The hospital system has collapsed and hunger and disease are setting in; the aid is inadequate and unable to reach all those in need.

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Australian Services Union members in solidarity. Photo: Alex Salmon

A protest to demand Australia cut all ties with Israel and push for a permanent ceasefire is planned for December 20 outside the United States Consulate. Another protest is planned for January 7.

Rallies will continue in other cities including December 23 and December 30 in Gadi/Sydney. Check the Green Left calendar for details as they become available.