Pro-Palestine rally to go ahead in Sydney without NSW police approval

Organisers of a pro-Palestine protest say an upcoming rally in Sydney will go ahead despite police and the state’s premier rejecting their plan to take to the streets, AAP reports.

NSW Police launched a task force to co-ordinate responses to protest activity across NSW after a widely condemned rally on the steps of the Sydney Opera House.

The rally on Monday night was held as the NSW government lit the iconic venue in the blue and white of the Israeli flag in solidarity with victims of terrorist attacks by Islamist group Hamas.

Some attendees chanted anti-Jewish rhetoric and lit flares, actions denounced by rally organisers Palestine Action Group.

Organiser Josh Lees told AAP a planned Sunday rally at Town Hall would still go ahead despite police saying it was unauthorised.

We’re very confident Sunday will be a peaceful protest [and] we’ve made it clear those racist views are not welcome.