Six arrested after Palestine, Israel supporters clash in Melbourne
ANKARA (AA) – Police on Sunday arrested at least six people following a clash between supporters of Palestine and Israel in Melbourne.
About 7,000 people were in attendance across two separate rallies, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
“While the organisers had confirmed separate locations and routes for their events, protesters from one group moved to … counter protest,” police said in a statement.
The detainees were later released and will receive a summons to appear in court.
During the rallies, one person was seen burning an Israeli flag.
Liberal Senator and Shadow Home Minister James Patterson was among several political figures attending the pro-Israel demonstration.
Sunday’s events came after a week of protest activity throughout Melbourne, the capital of southeastern Victoria state.
Free Palestine camps have been established at a number of university campuses across Australia where students demand severing ties with Israeli institutions and condemnation of genocide in Gaza.