Israel-Palestine protest: Attorney General Michael Daley ‘unaware’ of Sydney Opera House protest

Israel-Palestine protest: Attorney General Michael Daley ‘unaware’ of Sydney Opera House protest

The NSW Attorney-General has admitted he was unaware of the chaotic pro-Palestinian protest outside the Sydney Opera House in a train-wrecked interview.

Michael Daley admitted to 2GB that he had no idea about the rally where protesters lit flames and chanted “gas the Jews” outside the landmark on Monday night.

“It’s not something that’s in my portfolio. I’ll have to find out some details from the government and get back to you later if you want,” Mr Daley said on Tuesday.

“I worked late last night so I didn’t see him no.”

NSW Police are under fire for allowing the rally to take place – while telling Australian Jews to ‘stay home’ for their own safety.

Pro-Palestinian protesters also burned the Star of David before stomping on it – while a counter-demonstrator was arrested for trying to hold up the Israeli flag.

Pro-Palestinian protesters were allowed to chant 'gas the Jews' and burn the Star of David outside the Opera House on Monday night.

Pro-Palestinian protesters were allowed to chant ‘gas the Jews’ and burn the Star of David outside the Opera House on Monday night.

Michael Daley confessed to 2GB that he was unaware of the chaotic protest at the landmark on Monday night because 'I worked late last night'

Michael Daley confessed to 2GB that he was unaware of the chaotic protest at the landmark on Monday night because ‘I worked late last night’

As the general prosecutor, Mr. Daley is responsible for the administration of justice in NSW. He has been in this role since March.

Several hundred people gathered on the steps of the Opera House, unhappy with the NSW government’s decision to light the sails in blue and white – in support of Israel after Hamas killed at least 800 civilians over the weekend.

READ MORE: Former Footy star’s social media support for Hamas

Sonny Bill Williams has sparked another social media firestorm by widely sharing and liking a post saying that the Hamas militants who attacked Israel should be called freedom fighters instead of terrorists.

Mark Speakman, the leader of the opposition, called Mr Daley’s admission ‘a remarkable confession’, a sentiment echoed by Vaucluse MP Kellie Sloane.

Mr Daley further appeared to duck the question as he called for respect from both sides in Sydney.

“I think everyone should calm down and like you say… stay home… what everyone should do is show restraint and respect. And calm down,” he said.

“I’m sure the police have got this under control as they always do.”

Ray Hadley said Mr Daley’s comments were “beyond belief”.

“For the Attorney General to say that people should not take to the streets when his prime minister lit the sails… for fear of being attacked by these lunatics who support Hammsi is beyond belief.”

The rally, organized by the Palestine Action Group in Sydney, saw a large number of pro-Palestinian activists gather at Town Hall in Sydney’s CBD before marching to the Opera House.

NSW Premier Chris Minns announced the flags would be lit ‘in solidarity with Jewish Communities across NSW’ on Sunday.

Several hundred people gathered on the steps of the Opera House unhappy with the NSW government's decision to light the sails with the Zionist flag

Several hundred people gathered on the steps of the Opera House unhappy with the NSW government’s decision to light the sails with the Zionist flag

Fire and smoke rise in Gaza City after an Israeli airstrike on Sunday in response to a devastating attack by Hamas

Fire and smoke rise in Gaza City after an Israeli airstrike on Sunday in response to a devastating attack by Hamas

Police are now under fire for allowing the protest to take place – while telling Australian Jews to ‘stay home’ for their own safety.

One man took to social media to call for NSW Police leadership to ‘resign immediately or be sacked’ if they are unwilling or unable to protect Jewish Sydneysiders.

Hadley also called for football commentator Sonny Bill Williams to face consequences for his public support of Hamas’ actions.

“If brains were dynamite – Sonny Bill wouldn’t blow his ears off,” Hadley said.

“And it’s embarrassing to me and other people associated with this broadcast network that he’s employed… and I think the CEO of this company needs to reconsider his employment prospects.”

Williams shared a post by US law professor, author and controversial columnist Khaled Beydoun that said: ‘So Ukrainian civilians defending their families are ‘freedom fighters’… But Palestinians in Gaza doing the same are ‘terrorists ‘?’

Williams reposted the comment with 100 emojis to show his approval and the palms up emoji to represent prayer.

Chris Minns, Premier of NSW announced that the flags would be lit 'in solidarity with Jewish communities across NSW

Chris Minns, Premier of NSW announced that the flags would be lit ‘in solidarity with Jewish communities across NSW

A counter-demonstrator was arrested for trying to hold up the Israeli flag as the pro-Palestinian protest began

A counter-demonstrator was arrested for trying to hold up the Israeli flag as the pro-Palestinian protest began

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