Marches and blockades to win freedom for Palestine continue in summer heat

January 22, 2024

Issue

Thousands rally in Gadi/Sydney on January 21. Photo: Peter Boyle

Thousands braved the summer heat in many places to join the latest round of Palestine solidarity rallies on the weekend of January 20–21.

Unionists for Palestine groups also organised successful port blockades at Webb Dock and the Port of Fremantle against the Israeli-owned ZIM shipping line.

The rallies on the weekend took place after foreign minister Penny Wong travelled to Israel to express “solidarity” with the genocidal regime.

Tens of thousands rallied again in Naarm/Melbourne on January 21. This was the 15th consecutive week of large protests.

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Tens of thousands rally in Naarm/Melbourne to free Palestine. Photo: Jordan AK

Thousands also , even as the temperature soared to 35°C (in the shade).

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January 21 rally in Naarm/Melbourne to free Palestine

January 21 rally in Gadi/Sydney to free Palestine. Photo: Peter Boyle

Around a 1000 people rallied in Boorloo Perth in the rally organised by Friends of Palestine WA.

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Rallying in Boorloo/Perth, January 21. Photo: Alex Salmon

Similar numbers on the same day.

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Meanjin/Brisbane calls for ceasefire. Photo: Alex Bainbridge

A blockade by Unionists for Palestine at Webb Dock in Naarm/Melbourne began on January 21 and continued after more than 53 hours.

The target of the blockade — the ZIM shipping line — is an Israeli-owned company that is publicly supporting the Israeli military.

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Zim supplies genocide banner at the Webb Dock blockade. Photo: Jordan AK

The Port of Fremantle was also blockaded on January 19.

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Fremantle port blockade, January 19. Photo: Alex Salmon

The big rallies are being complemented by other smaller actions, such as the January 18 protest at Labor MP Ged Kearney's office and a protest on January 19 by health workers in Gadi/Sydney.