Sydney, Australia – X user Aurafarmer filmed a chaotic moment during a pro-Palestine rally at Sydney Town Hall on February 9, 2026, showing NSW Police forcibly removing protesters kneeling in prayer on the street.

The group, performing what appeared to be Salah, blocked part of the central business district roadway. Officers in riot gear grabbed arms, pulled people up, and shoved some aside to clear the road amid the major event.

The confrontation was tense, with protesters resisting while police enforced dispersal. No pepper spray or extreme violence is visible in the footage, but it captures the intensity of police action to prevent prolonged blockage.

Organized by the Palestine Action Group and allies, the rally drew an estimated 6,000 participants. It began with peaceful speeches and solidarity displays but escalated when protesters attempted to march, a move banned under court-upheld restrictions. NSW Police arrested 27 people, including 10 for alleged assaults on officers, with reports of shoving and injuries.

The incident highlights a flashpoint during protests against Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s state visit, intended to show support for Australia’s Jewish community after the December 2025 Bondi Beach mass shooting.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download