NSW Premier Chris Minns apologises for snub to Jewish community

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has apologised to the state's Jewish community, admitting the government failed to provide a space for them to come together after the Hamas incursion into Israel.

The apology followed queries as to why Jewish Sydney residents were urged to not attend the lighting of the Opera House in the Israeli colours of blue and white, after police decided to permit a pro-Palestine march in the same location on Monday night.

One man, reportedly waving an Israeli flag, was arrested "for his own safety" police said yesterday, and later released.

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"The intentions of the government were very straightforward - to light up the Opera House to create a place and a space for (the Jewish) community to come together to commemorate the horrific scenes that we've seen in Israel over the last 48 hours," Minns said.

"And we didn't do that."

The premier said the pro-Palestine protest organisers had shown their intentions were not peaceful in Monday's demonstration.

Some marchers were seen burning an Israeli flag and chanting anti-Semitic phrases.

No marchers were arrested yet but a police task force has been set up to investigate the flares and fireworks that were allegedly set off at the protest.

"The idea that they're going to commandeer Sydney's streets is not going to happen," he said.

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"Shouting racial epithets is not the definition of a peaceful protest.," he said.

Minns also told 2GB radio that a pro-Palestinian protest planned for Sunday will not be permitted.