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Thousands of pro-Palestine protesters have flooded the streets of Sydney and Melbourne to call for a ceasefire in the Middle East while marking the first anniversary of the war in Gaza.
The Sydney rally kicked off in Hyde Park this afternoon after police went to court to stop the demonstrations, with a compromise eventually reached that saw a change in route and tomorrow's march abandoned for a vigil.
A heavy police presence surrounds the marching protesters who are waving signs in support of a free Palestine.
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About 2000 people have gathered in the city for the demonstration, which began around midday.
The protesters were warned earlier today to stay in line or risk arrest.
Police Minister Yasmin Catley said the rallies would be closely watched by police with zero tolerence for racism or illegal demonstrations, including displaying the Hezbollah flag.
"We do not want the war in the Middle East played out in our streets in Sydney. That anger has no place here," Catley said.
"That is not the city we want to see. Please be mindful of what you say, your actions, because they really do matter."
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said arrests will be made if the protests are not peaceful.
"We will respond if there is a need to. Our response has been proportionate," she said.
"Police will work with organisers and work with marshals to ensure it is a peaceful rally."
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The police presence was beefed up around Sydney and Melbourne earlier ahead of the expected rallies.
More than 260 officers were expected to line the streets of Melbourne to monitor the planned protests outside the State Library of Victoria.
The marchers have moved through Melbourne's CBD with organisers leading chants calling for peace.
Protesters urged to stay away
Nationals leader David Littleproud called on protesters to "go back into their corner" ahead of today's rallies.
"I think enough's enough, we've got the point, this has gone on for 12 months," he told Today.
"We understand you have a right to protest here in this country, we celebrate that, but at this juncture I think it's time for everyone to go back into their corner and respect this is a very conflict that very few of us are going to be able to solve."
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Police are on alert after issuing a rare statement warning protesters that anything other than peaceful rallies will not be tolerated.
Activists have been warned it's an offence to promote, encourage or praise terrorism.
"In Australia, there are offences that prohibit behaviour that incites or advocates violence or hatred based on race and religion, including the display of prohibited symbols in public under these circumstances," the joint AFP, state and territory police statement read.
"It is also a serious offence to counsel, promote, encourage, urge, instruct or praise terrorism."
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Plans for rallies this weekend and on October 7, the anniversary of Hamas' deadly surprise attack on Israel last year that saw 1200 Israeli people killed and more than 200 kidnapped, have sparked controversy this week.
An Adelaide protest will also go ahead after police said organisers had satisfied all legal requirements.
