Pro-Palestine protesters created a ruckus on the roof of the Parliament building in Australia. A group of Palestine supporters climbed onto the roof of the Parliament building, where they hung banners in front of the building.
Melbourne: Some pro-Palestine protesters entered the Australian Parliament House on Thursday, dodging its security arrangements, and waved banners from the roof of the building. Meanwhile, a member of Parliament announced his exit from the government, expressing disagreement with the decision on the Gaza war. On the last day of the Parliament proceedings after a five-week recess, there was a heated debate between the ruling party and the opposition over Israel’s war against Hamas.
Protesters were arrested
Four protesters waved banners with the words “war crime” and “genocide” as well as the slogan “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” for more than an hour on the front of the building known as the ‘Great Veranda’. All four protesters were later arrested.
Senator Fatima raised questions
Afghanistan-born Senator Fatima Payman announced that she had left the ruling Labor Party, rejecting the party’s stand on Gaza. Fatima Payman is the only Australian MP who wore a hijab during the meetings of the House. Fatima told reporters, “My family did not come here as refugees fleeing a war-torn country so that I could remain silent on seeing the atrocities being committed on innocent people.” She said, “Seeing our government’s indifference towards the biggest injustice of our time, I am forced to question the party’s stand.”
What is Australia’s stance
Australia does not recognize Palestine as a country. The Australian government is committed to a two-nation solution in which Israel and future Palestine can co-exist in peace and security within internationally recognized borders. Police said the four protesters could be charged with illegally entering Parliament House. (source-indiatv)
