Despite Ceasefire Agreement, Pro-Palestine Groups Pledge to Continue Protests
Activists are adamant that the agreement does not tackle the fundamental issues that Palestinians are facing.
Despite the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, two Pro-Palestinian organizations have declared their intention to persist with weekly protests.
Commencing on Jan. 19, a six-week truce and prisoner exchange were implemented as a result of a pact between the involved parties.
However, the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) criticized Israel for postponing the acceptance of the ceasefire, claiming that attacks on Palestinians continued until the last moment.
The statement released by APAN on Jan. 20 emphasized Israel’s persistence in acts of genocide, apartheid, and illegal occupation in Palestine.
President of APAN, Nasser Mashni, affirmed that the protests will carry on, denouncing the ceasefire as merely a pause in Israel’s military actions.
“The current ceasefire does not alter the harsh reality faced by Palestinians living under Israeli occupation and apartheid,” Mashni asserted.
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Free Palestine Melbourne echoed APAN’s position, affirming that they will continue their weekly protests until Palestine is liberated.
“Join us every Sunday as we persist in our protest for Palestine,” the group announced on social media.
Ongoing Demonstrations Across Australia
Prior to the commencement of the ceasefire, numerous pro-Palestine gatherings were held in major Australian cities on Jan. 19, including Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane.
In Melbourne, an estimated two to three thousand protesters congregated at the State Library before marching through the CBD with tight police surveillance.
Despite the ceasefire, many demonstrators argued that it falls short of addressing the root issues and vowed to maintain pressure on governments globally.
Government Response and Ceasefire Impact
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed the prisoner release but emphasized the necessity to de-escalate tensions in Australia following recent anti-Semitic events, such as the arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue.
“The taking of hostages should never have occurred, and the prolonged conflict due to their captivity for 15 months,” Albanese commented.
He urged for the full implementation of the ceasefire accord, including an increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza, acknowledging the plight of innocent civilians.
The ceasefire deal marks the conclusion of 15 months of hostilities that began with Hamas’ deadly attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, resulting in around 1,200 casualties and over 250 hostages.
In response, Israel launched airstrikes and a ground offensive, with the Gaza Health Ministry claiming the lives of 50,000 Palestinians supported by Hamas.
