News live: thousands of pro-Palestinian supporters to rally across major cities; Australians evacuate Lebanon to Cyprus

Large turnouts expected for pro-Palestinian rallies across the major cities in Australia

Josh Taylor

There are expected to be large turnouts at what organisers say will be peaceful pro-Palestinian rallies across the major cities in Australia today.

They are being held one day before the anniversary of the 7 October Hamas attack on Israel where 1,450 people were killed or kidnapped, and marking one year since Israel’s ongoing retaliation in Gaza that has resulted in 41,000 people – mostly civilians and many children being killed.

Rallies have been held weekly in many parts of Australia in support of Palestinians, and more recently in support of Lebanon, after Israel’s retaliation for Hezbollah attacks has killed more than 1,000 people and wounded 6,000 more in the past two weeks, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.

Organisers of the Sydney protest said they expected the turnout to be around 5,000 people.

The protest times (local) and locations are:

• Sydney: the protest gets underway from Hyde Park at 1pm.

• Melbourne: the rally will commence at 12pm outside the state library.

• Brisbane: the rally will be held at the Queens Gardens at 1pm.

• Adelaide: the protest will be held at parliament house at 2pm.

• Canberra: there is an event being held at 1pm at Garema Place.

• Darwin: there will be an event at Civic Park Steps from 5pm.

• In Perth and Hobart, rallies were held on Saturday.

We will bring you coverage of these rallies as they get underway.