Turning to local reaction, pro-Palestinian activists in Sydney say police seeking to use extraordinary powers against their planned protest on Sunday is a breach of their human rights.

Protest Action Group organiser Fahad Ali said Palestinians were seeing a gruesome loss of life in Gaza.

“We’re grieving this war, we’re grieving the atrocious loss of life,” he said.

“Palestinians have been told we have no right to grieve, we have no right for public assembly, for freedom of expression, we have no right to protest against war crimes in Gaza, we have no right to protest against the killing of Palestinians, many of whom are innocent.”

Ali said Palestinians were being denied their right to protest in Sydney with police seeking to use executive powers.

“How can it be that in Sydney, in this state, where we value the right to free expression, our government is saying, ‘No, you cannot protest, you cannot express your view,’ ” he said.

“I think many people in the community agree with me that … simply is not good enough. Palestinians have the right to peaceful assembly, and all those who support the cause of justice, the cause of peace, have the right to stand with us.”