Australia PM Calls to Cancel Pro-Palestinian Rallies

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called for the cancellation of pro-Palestinian rallies scheduled to coincide with the anniversary of Hamas's attacks on Israel, deeming them 'incredibly provocative' and potentially distressing. NSW Police have sought to prohibit the events, citing safety concerns, a move backed by both Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns. The Palestine Action Group condemned the attempt to ban the rallies as an attack on democratic rights. Recent protests have seen demonstrators in Sydney and Melbourne waving Hezbollah flags and chanting slogans in support of the terrorist group, leading to warnings from Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke about potential visa cancellations. Albanese and other political leaders have stressed the importance of maintaining social cohesion and rejecting extremism.