Posted by 
Sombre vigils have been held across Australia to mark the first anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese took part in a memorial for the Jewish community in Melbourne. Despite his urging against protest activity, pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Sydney and Melbourne have gone ahead.
In Melbourne they marched silently along a two-kilometre stretch from St Kilda Road to the steps of parliament.
READ MORE: Eliana is desperate to leave Lebanon – but it's not so simple
READ MORE: Jetstar flight to Bali forced to turn around after toilet issue
Palestine supporters walked to the sound of a single beating drum, some carrying stretchers in recognition of lives lost in the war.
At Sydney's Town Hall, about 500 demonstrators were present for a static vigil, with a major police presence keeping an eye on crowds.
About 1000 additional police were rostered on across Sydney to ensure violence did not erupt.
At Vaucluse, about 10,000 members of the Jewish community gathered for a vigil, while in Lakemba in western Sydney, 1000 community members filled the local mosque in another static vigil.
Reporters at the scene did not see any symbols of hate or signs of violence at any of the October 7 demonstrations.
On this date last year, Hamas-led militants swarmed across the Israeli border and attacked multiple targets including small communities and a music festival, killing 1200 people, mostly civilians.
A further 240 were kidnapped as hostages.
The attack prompted a major military response from Israel, with airstrikes and ground operations devastating Gaza and killing an estimated 40,000-plus people.
Dozens of Israelis are believed to be still held hostage by Hamas.
READ MORE: Cult cookie shop to open in Australia after saga over unrelated 'pop-up'
Israel also opened up a new front against Hezbollah in Lebanon last week after months of the terrorist group firing rockets into northern Israel in solidarity with Hamas.
Former federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg gathered at a Jewish aged care facility today, where he told a tearful crowd that the world was in a battle of good versus evil.
"A year ago, my life changed, and your life changed forever," he said.
Sydney's Jewish community also gathered at Bondi Beach this morning to mark the solemn occasion.
"A process of mourning is not just a ritual. It is a profound expression of who we are as Jews," one faith leader said.
READ MORE: Owners of dog shot dead by police in Perth call for answers
The pro-Palestine gathering has sparked controversy, though a large protest in Sydney yesterday was mostly peaceful, with one person arrested.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese today issued a statement commemorating the anniversary of the attacks.
"October 7 is a day that carries terrible pain," he said.
"Over 1200 innocent Israelis died: the largest loss of Jewish life on any single day since the Holocaust.
"We unequivocally condemn Hamas' actions on that day."
Albanese also condemned the "cold shadows of antisemitism" that he said were hurting Jewish Australians in the present day.
"We unequivocally condemn all prejudice and hatred," he said.
"There is no place in Australia for discrimination against people of any faith."
He also obliquely addressed the ongoing wider war that erupted in response to the attack.
"As we mourn and reflect, we also re-affirm a fundamental principle of our shared humanity: every innocent life matters," he said.
"We recognise the distress the conflict has caused here in Australia. Sorrow knows no boundaries and recognises no differences.
"The number of civilians who have lost their lives is a devastating tragedy."
Police chiefs around the country, including the AFP, last week issued a rare joint statement warning against illegal behaviour at gatherings over the long weekend.
FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in breaking news, celebrity and sport via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.
