Violence has erupted at a massive gathering of thousands to oppose the Australian visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
Fists were thrown and pepper spray was used by NSW Police as they clashed with protesters and worked to break up the crowds.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Violence erupts at protest against visit by Israel president.
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Thousands gathered at Sydney’s Town Hall for the demonstration on Monday, despite the NSW Supreme Court knocking back a legal challenge against a government declaration Herzog’s visit was a major event.
Rallies were held at all major cities across the country, but there was chaos in Sydney as police called for protesters to disperse.
The Palestine Action Group said “we utterly condemn” what it labelled a “brutal attack” by NSW Police against thousands of peaceful protesters.
“Instead of respecting the right of 50,000 people who turned up to express their outrage against our government celebrating someone accused of inciting genocide, the police resorted to unleashing unseen violent repression,” the group said in a statement.
“The police, Chris Minns and the whole political establishment should hang their heads in shame for this disgusting attack on democracy and freedom of political expression.”
7NEWS understands several people were arrested as tensions boiled over, before many were released.
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