Canberra, 18 March 2024 – Today, pro-Palestinian activists from Families for Palestine as well as Palestine Justice Movement, disrupted Question Time at the House of Representatives, demanding an immediate end to the ongoing genocide in Gaza. In a courageous act of solidarity with the Palestinian people, protesters raised their voices to demand accountability from the Australian government for its complicity in the atrocities committed against Palestinians. Among the protesters were Palestinians themselves, embodying the deeply personal stakes involved in the struggle for Palestinian liberation.
During the proceedings, activists stood up in the public gallery and condemned the Australian Labor Party’s continued support for Israel’s genocide in Gaza. Their chants of “Ceasefire now!” and “Shame on Labor for supporting genocide!” reverberated through the chambers, echoing the sentiments of millions of people in Australia and worldwide who stand in solidarity with Palestine.
The protest comes after weeks of sustained activism by Families for Palestine, who have been holding a 24/7 sit-in outside PM Albanese’s office since 11 February 2024. Prior to this sit-in, the group has been protesting outside Albanese’s office every week since 16 November 2023, demanding accountability and justice for Palestine. Despite their continuous presence and efforts to engage with Albanese and his staff, there has been no acknowledgment or response from the Prime Minister or his team.
“Today, we raise our voices to denounce the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people,” said Sara Shaweesh, a representative of Families for Palestine. “The Australian government’s complicity in these crimes cannot be ignored. By continuing to support Israel’s brutal aggression, Labor has blood on its hands.”
The protest has garnered widespread attention on social media, with supporters applauding the activists for their bravery and determination. Leader of the Greens, Senator Adam Bandt, condemned the Australian government’s inaction, emphasising the urgent need for accountability and justice.
As the international community grapples with the escalating violence in Gaza, Families for Palestine remains steadfast in their commitment to advocating for the rights and dignity of all Palestinians. The group urges the Australian government to end its support for Israel’s illegal occupation and to take immediate action to help end the genocide.
Families for Palestine 
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