In pictures: Thousands of pro-Palestine protesters march in Australian cities
Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets in Australian cities over the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
Plans for rallies this weekend and on October 7, the anniversary of Hamas' deadly surprise attack on Israel last year that saw 1200 Israeli people killed and more than 200 kidnapped, have sparked controversy.
Thousands of protesters stream into Hyde Park in Sydney.
The rally kicked off in the park this afternoon after police went to court to stop the demonstrations, with a compromise eventually reached that saw a change in route and tomorrow's march abandoned for a vigil.
A heavy police presence surrounds the marching protesters who are waving signs in support of a free Palestine.
A giant Palestinian flag can be seen being carried by the crowd.
About 2000 people have gathered in the city for the demonstration, which began around midday.
The protesters were warned earlier today to stay in line or risk arrest.
More than 260 officers were expected to line the streets of Melbourne to monitor the planned protests outside the State Library of Victoria.
The marchers have moved through Melbourne's CBD with organisers leading chants calling for peace.
The crowd gathers outside Flinders Street Station in the middle of Melbourne.
Meanwhile, police have released images of seven men who are wanted after prohibited symbols, including the Hezbollah flag, were flown at a protest in Melbourne last month.
Marchers hold a giant flag as they make their way down Flinders Street in Melbourne.
Nationals leader David Littleproud called on protesters to "go back into their corner" ahead of today's rallies.
"I think enough's enough, we've got the point, this has gone on for 12 months," he told Today.
The scale of the crowd can be seen outside Flinders Street Station in Melbourne.
Police are on alert after issuing a rare statement warning protesters that anything other than peaceful rallies will not be tolerated.
Protesters holds a placard of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
An Adelaide protest will also go ahead after police said organisers had satisfied all legal requirements.
Some protesters carried placards showing militant group Hezbollah's late leader Hassan Nasrallah, despite warnings.
Protesters rallying in the middle of Sydney display the Hezbollah flag, a banned symbol.
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