Hundreds have turned out in the streets north of Melbourne’s CBD to demand the Australian government to call for a ceasefire in the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Up to 300 people reportedly crowded into Bell St Reserve in Coburg, 8km north of the CBD, from 11am on Saturday to demand the Labor Party call for an immediate ceasefire and lifting of the siege of Gaza.
After an hour of impassioned speeches, the crowd walked through the streets to federal Labor MP Peter Khalil’s office on Sydney Rd.
“Peter Khalil, you can’t hide,” and “Shame, shame, Peter, Shame,” the crowds chanted in unison in response to an organiser with a megaphone standing at the doors of his office.
Police stood guard in front of the glass doors at the entrance to Mr Khalil’s office.
Community pressure is mounting in Coburg for the local MP to represent his constituents’ calls for ceasefire in parliament.
On Wednesday, plastic bags mimicking body bags were left outside Mr Khalil’s office alongside signs calling for, “No more bodies in Gaza” and to “end the occupation”.
It comes after Merri-Bek council voted last week to fly the Palestinian flag over the Coburg Town Hall to condemn Israel’s genocide against Palestinians.
The federal government has stopped short of calling for a ceasefire, instead asking Israel to allow a “humanitarian pause” for civilians to seek healthcare and receive critical aid supplies.
Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong has recommended Israel take steps towards a ceasefire, but made clear it cannot be one-sided and must involve the release of more than 200 Israeli hostages being held by terrorist group Hamas.
There have been more than 12,000 Palestinians killed since the beginning of the latest conflict, according to the latest data from the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry.
It has been at least a week since new casualty data has been released as communications are down in Gaza.
The Israeli death toll stands at 1,200, largely as a result of Hamas’ October 7 attack.