Palestinian flags and solidarity signs filled Sydney Road on October 28 residents lined the street outside the office of Peter Khalil, Labor MP for Wills, for another community speak out initiated by as Merri-bek councillors Sue Bolton and Monica Harte.
The crowd condemned Khalil’s endorsement of Labor’s support for Israel’s massacre of more than 7000 Palestinians in Gaza since October 7.
“Peter Khalil you can’t hide; you’re supporting genocide” was the main chant alongside a stream of horns and cheers from motorists.
Leila Allouche, Victorian Arabic Social Services CEO, spoke about the Gazans’ deprivation and condemned the hollowness of Israel’s justification for its military’s brutality. “People in Gaza do not have food, water, electricity, internet or phones to contact anybody.”
James Crafti and Pier Moro, Australian Services Union (ASU) members, stressed the importance of union solidarity and emphasised the need for displaced Palestinians to have the right of return.
A motion to endorse a ceasefire, end the blockade and occupation of Gaza and end Australia’s military assistance of Israel will be put to the ASU.
Bolton said she and Harte would be organising actions outside Khalil’s office until there is a ceasefire. “We want concrete action, not platitudes.
“Even if the bombing stops tomorrow, we want the siege lifted and supplies of food, water, electricity, fuel and construction materials brought into Gaza.”
[Free Palestine Melbourne is organising protests every Sunday at 12pm at the Victoria State Library.]