On Saturday 13 May 2023, a rally by Palestinians was organised in front of the State Library of Victoria. Hundreds of people gathered around to raise their voices in the bloody war between Palestine and Israel. They want to end the Isreal occupation.

 

The Israel occupation of Palestine has been remaining since the late 19th century as the consequence of the Partition Plan adopted by the United Nations. This plan divided the British Mandate of Palestine into Arab and Jewish states. Considered one of the most enduring conflicts in the world, various attempts had been made in order to resolve the conflict. However, the first two uprisings failed to stimulate the Israeli–Palestinian peace process, with thousands of Palestinians and Israeli being killed. And many people now believe that a third intifada has already been provoked, especially since the end of 2022 when Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, returned to power as the leader of the occupying regime’s most far-right cabinet ever.

 

Following universal human rights and international laws, Free Palestine Melbourne is a community organisation dedicated to equality, justice and freedom for all Palestinians. This rally was to raise public awareness about the struggle that Palestine has experienced for seven decades. They want to be heard that their lives matter. They want to end this long-term Israel occupation of their home place. They want to have freedom. The rally in reality was really successful with enthusiastic participation from a large number of people, happening throughout Swanston Street, and drawing a lot of pedestrians’ attention.

 

At the end of the day, all their rage, blood, sweat and tears are for only one purpose: freedom.