Police on Wednesday afternoon arrested 10 non-violent activists after they occupied a government office in Melbourne's CBD. The action was in protest at the Australian government's support for Israel’s war on Gaza.

Protesters from Students for Palestine (SFP), Socialist Alternative and Jews Against Israeli Apartheid chained themselves to desks inside the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. They demanded that the government break all political, economic, military and cultural ties with Israel and that the the Israeli ambassador be expelled.

Pro-Palestine activists chanted “Tony Abbott, blood on your hands!” and “Liberal government you can’t hide, you’re supporting genocide!”

As they left the building, protesters burnt the Israeli and Australian flags in a symbolic rejection of both governments’ murderous policies. Police followed activists as they attempted to leave, but kettled them in an alley before making arrests. Many managed to slip away through an adjoining shopping centre.

Protesters were particularly enraged by prime minister Tony Abbott’s claim that Australian’s “are all Israelis”. Conservative senator Scott Ryan also expressed unequivocal backing for Israel when he spoke at a Zionist “Stop the Rockets” rally on 19 July.

“The situation in Gaza has reached crisis proportions,” said Melbourne University activist Jade Eckhaus. “Over 600 Palestinians have been murdered in cold blood by the apartheid Israeli regime, and our government fully supports them. Enough is enough.”

Activists have vowed to continue their protests. Demonstrations are taking place across the country this weekend.

End Israeli aggression

Perth: Saturday 26 July, 11am at Murray St Mall

Brisbane: Saturday 26 July, 2pm at King George Square

Melbourne: Saturday 26 July, 1pm at the State Library

Adelaide: Saturday 26 July, 12pm at the Parliament

Sydney: Sunday 27 July, 1pm at Sydney Town Hall