After two years of persistent anti-war demonstrations, the heart of Melbourne may experience a reprieve as early as this Sunday. The Free Palestine Coalition, the primary organizer of the weekly protests outside the State Library of Victoria, announced via social media that it would pause the demonstrations in light of the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Mai Saif, a spokesperson for Free Palestine Melbourne, confirmed that the decision to suspend the protests was supported by the broader pro-Palestinian movement. “It is suspended for now,” she stated. “At this stage, the weekly, regular rallies every Sunday won’t be going ahead.”
Ceasefire Sparks Hope for Peace in Melbourne
The organizing committee had previously declared that the protests would continue until a ceasefire was achieved in Gaza. With Hamas and Israel agreeing to a ceasefire on October 10, the announcement was cautiously welcomed by Melbourne’s Lord Mayor, Nick Reece. Earlier this week, Reece had called for an end to the protests, expressing a desire for peace on Melbourne’s streets.
“If we can achieve peace in the Middle East surely we can have peace on the streets of Melbourne again,” Reece said on Thursday. “After two years of disruption, it is time for Melbourne to get some relief.”
Scott Veenker, chief executive of the Committee for Melbourne, echoed these sentiments, noting the positive impact the protest pause would have on the city. “It will mean businesses can trade more easily, residents can enjoy their city, and visitors can experience Melbourne at its best,” Veenker remarked.
Impact on Law Enforcement and Community
The suspension of the protests is also expected to provide relief to Victoria Police, which has dedicated 25,000 shifts to maintaining order at the rallies since October 2023. Chief Commissioner Mike Bush emphasized the strain these resources placed on the force, suggesting that reallocating them could reduce crime.
“They have empathy and compassion for whatever their cause may be – not for us to judge,” Bush said of the protesters. “But what I ask is that they also have empathy and compassion for the people of Melbourne.”
Despite the pause, the Allan government has resisted implementing a permit system similar to New South Wales to regulate protests, although police have been granted additional powers, such as banning face coverings at demonstrations.
Community Reflections and Future Actions
The protests, which began shortly after the tragic events of October 7, 2023, when Hamas’ actions resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and the hostage-taking of 250, have been a point of contention in Melbourne. The ongoing conflict has reportedly claimed more than 67,000 Palestinian lives, according to Gazan health authorities, with protests drawing up to 10,000 participants at their peak.
Jeremy Leibler, president of the Zionist Federation of Australia, expressed hope that the end of regular protests would make Melbourne feel welcoming again for the Jewish community. “In addition to the trauma of October 7 and the horrible consequences of the war over the last two years, we have certainly felt the city was off limits to the Jewish community as a result of these protests,” Leibler said.
Liberal MP David Southwick, representing an electorate with a significant Jewish population, called for healing and rebuilding trust. “For more than two years our Jewish community has felt hate, intimidation and exclusion from these demonstrations,” Southwick stated.
While the regular Sunday rallies may cease, the pro-Palestinian movement in Melbourne is not ending. Saif indicated that efforts would shift to larger, occasional national days of action to support Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. “We have always called for justice and liberation,” she affirmed.
Despite the pause, Melbourne’s reputation as a protest hub remains intact. A protest against racism and fascism is already planned for this Sunday morning outside the State Library, ensuring that demonstrations will continue to be a part of the city’s vibrant social fabric.
