Canberra, MINA – Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside Australia’s Parliament House in Canberra on Wednesday, protesting the official visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog. The rally, featuring Palestinian flags and placards, drew support from several politicians, Anadolu Agency reported.
Protesters and independent lawmaker Zali Steggall used the occasion to pressure Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to seek accountability from Israel for the death of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza in April 2024.
Prime Minister Albanese confirmed he raised Frankcom’s case directly with President Herzog, alongside other government concerns. He emphasized Canberra’s demand for transparency and full accountability, including potential criminal charges.
The protest is part of ongoing demonstrations across Australia since Herzog’s arrival on Monday, which have seen escalating tensions. Earlier in the week, clashes between police and protesters in Sydney drew widespread condemnation after footage showed police forcibly removing Muslim worshippers during prayers.
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The Australian National Imams Council condemned the actions as shocking and deeply disturbing, leading to calls for an investigation and a public apology.
Herzog’s visit, heavily secured, comes amid heightened tensions. A UN commission of inquiry last year cited statements by Herzog as evidence of “genocidal intent” in Israel’s Gaza offensive, which has resulted in over 72,000 Palestinian deaths and widespread destruction, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.[]
Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)
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