A heavy security and police presence is surrounding the venue, with the community determined to gather despite concerns about the risk of antisemitism. “Tikvah” (hope) is a theme of the evening, says the Zionist Council of NSW.

Organisers expect around 5000 protesters to gather in Hyde Park in Sydney, which was shifted from Town Hall at the last minute. Meanwhile, more than 260 officers are expected to line the streets of Melbourne to armour the city from the planned protests outside the State Library of Victoria.

Thousands of marchers have attended pro-Palestine protests across Australia, with the biggest gatherings taking place in Sydney and Melbourne.