Extract from ABC News
Hundreds of people turned out for the rally in Hobart. (ABC News: Monty Jacka)
In short:
Pro-Palestinian supporters are gathering across Australia as part of the Global Day for Gaza.
Protesters carrying Palestinian flags and wearing keffiyehs are calling for an end to Australia's arms trade with Israel.
They are also calling for "true peace in Gaza" and the West Bank.
Pro-Palestinian rallies are taking place across the country to mark the lives lost in the three years of Israel's retaliatory campaign in Gaza following the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack.
As part of the Global Day for Gaza, protesters are gathering in capital cities and various regional locations.
In Sydney, where a year ago the Harbour Bridge was a sea of Palestinian flags, thousands gathered at Hyde Park before marching through the CBD.
In Sydney, thousands gathered at Hyde Park, in the CBD. (ABC News: Abubakr Sajid )
The mood was sombre, with many people telling the ABC they were frustrated at the Australian government's lack of action against Israel, calling for sanctions and an end to the arms race.
"Our government is continuing to allow arms shipments to Israel," Yasmine Johnson from Jews Against the Occupation said.
"And we're here to say, 'We won't stand for it.'"
The Australian Department of Defence denied this was the case in a statement in August last year that read: "Australia has not supplied weapons or ammunition to Israel since the Israel-Gaza conflict began, and not for at least the past five years."
About 1,200 people in Israel were killed and 250 people were taken hostage after the attack by Hamas.
Yasmine Johnson says the Australian government is "continuing to allow arms shipments to Israel". The Australian Department of Defence denied this in a statement last year. (ABC News)
Wearing keffiyehs, brother and sister Jamal and Layla said they were at the rally because "it's not fair that kids my age are being killed".
Belle Douaihy said she was marching to object to a genocide.
"We're here in disgust with our government that still supports — whether it's intelligence, money, arms — a genocidal regime in Israel," she said.
"Free Palestine, and free the world."
Belle Douaihy is calling for a free Palestine. (ABC News)
The International Court of Justice has not yet made a finding of genocide, and the allegation has been strenuously denied by Israel.
Another woman, who did not want her name to be used, had a message for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
"Grow a backbone, do the right thing, be a humanitarian, stop supporting Israel, stop making parts for the bombers,"she said.
"You, Anthony, you are representing your constituents, and this is what your constituents want."
The sentiment was echoed by a male protester, who said the federal government "needs to find a heart".
"Look deep inside, really try and search as hard as you can to find your heart," he said.
One protester told the ABC that the Australian government is lacking heart in regards to Palestine. (ABC News)
Marrickville Peace Group member, Antoinette Riley, said she was glad there was a good turnout for the cause.
"I was in hospital about a year ago. If I was in Gaza, I'd be dead," the 75-year-old said.
"Our government leaves something to be desired. It's really very shameful. Very shameful."
Ms Riley is from the Marrickville Peace Group. (ABC News)
'Still a lot to do'
In Hobart, hundreds of people marched along the waterfront, with many waving Palestinian flags, holding placards and chanting "the West Bank will be free".
People in Hobart began gathering about 11am. (ABC News: Monty Jacka)
The group began congregating from about 11am and later made their way to the Tasmanian Parliament where they heard from speakers including the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre's Nala Mansell, and Feras Shaheen, from the Tasmanian Palestine Advocacy Network.
Mr Shaheen urged protesters to ramp up their advocacy, saying new measures were needed to end the war in Gaza.
"What else can you do in your spaces… there is still a lot to do,"he said.
About 100 people attended an event at Newcastle's Civic Park in NSW. (ABC News: Keely Johnson)
'True peace' for Gaza and West Bank
According to the Gaza health ministry, more than 74,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza and more than 175,000 injured.
The UN estimates 1.9 million people have been displaced.
Hunter Valley woman Lynn Benn, from environmental group the Knitting Nannas, was among the protesters at Newcastle's Civic Park.
Ms Benn says she wants to see “true peace” in Gaza and the West Bank. (ABC News)
She told the ABC that many had turned out because they were angry about the ongoing situation in Gaza.
"Food supplies are restricted, critical medical supplies are restricted, and there are thousands and thousands of children in there," she said.
"This has been going on for three years, which is horrendous. Standing back and letting this happen is appalling, and that's why we're here."
Ms Benn said she wanted to see "true peace" in Gaza and the West Bank.
Dr Leka is calling on the Australian government to pay heed to the requirements of international law. (ABC News)
Niko Leka, from Palestine Action Group Muloobinba, said while today was a globally significant day, he and many other Novocastrians have been turning up to protest the war for years.
"Showing up here is another intervention, a peaceful intervention,” Dr Leka said.
"The action that is required is for the Australian government to pay heed to the requirements of international law.
"No more arms trade with Israel, no more investment, stopping our relationships with their universities until they start obeying international law."
Protesters gathered on the steps of South Australia's parliament. (ABC News: Olivia Mason)
'Enough is enough'
On the steps of South Australia's parliament, about a thousand people listened to speeches, banged drums and broke out into chants, calling for peace.
Melina Healey told the ABC she joined the rally in support of Palestine.
"Everyone is here because it's been three years of this intense bombardment of Gaza — enough is enough,"Ms Healey said.
Ms Healey says that "enough is enough". (ABC News: Olivia Mason)
The crowd was peaceful and started dispersing when wet weather and lightning hit Adelaide.
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