During the confrontation, police fired rubber bullets at demonstrators, with both sides accusing each other of inciting violence.
Victoria Police anticipated the demonstrations, deploying over 1,000 officers in their largest planned operation in 24 years.
By mid-morning, around 500 protesters had gathered outside the venue, according to Victorian Greens MP Gabrielle de Vietri, who claimed to have witnessed police using “excessive force.” She described seeing people injured by rubber bullets and pepper spray.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton dismissed the accusations, calling the protesters’ behavior “absolutely appalling” and labeling them “hypocrites.
Ambulance Victoria reported two people hospitalized but did not confirm their involvement in the protests.
Protesters, some waving Palestinian flags, demanded an end to violent conflict, while the group Disrupt Land Forces condemned the event and called for an end to funding states involved in genocide, including Israel.
The Israeli government has pledged to eradicate Hamas after the group’s October 7 attacks, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and the taking of 250 hostages, according to Israeli authorities.
Israel’s offensive in Gaza is under investigation by the International Court of Justice, following a case brought by South Africa accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians. Israel has strongly rejected this accusation, calling it “grossly distorted.
Victoria state Premier Jacinta Allan condemned protesters who threatened or used violence against police officers, stating, “They’re doing their job supporting community safety.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese mphasized the right to peaceful protest, adding, “You don’t oppose defense equipment by throwing objects at police. Our officers have a job to do and should be respected at all times,” he told CNN affiliate Channel 7.
Speaking to ABC Radio National from Melbourne before the conference began on Wednesday, Bec Shrimpton, director of defense strategy and national security at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, argued that it is “very unfair to label everyone with the same brush of genocide.”
“The world isn’t as we would like it to be; it is neither peaceful nor stable at the moment. Events like this are crucial for our nation’s defense and national interests,” Shrimpton said.
Earlier on Wednesday, Greens MP Gabrielle de Vietri criticized the state government, accusing it of “turning our city into a showcase for war machines and spending millions to protect the profits of genocide.”
