Australia faces fresh protests after police clashed with peaceful demonstrators against Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit to Sydney. Around 50,000 people tried to march but police blocked the area, citing it off-limits. Protest organizers said police used pepper spray and assaulted rallygoers. Twenty-seven arrests were made, including 10 for alleged assault. Abigail Boyd, a Greens lawmaker, said police punched her and violently moved people praying peacefully. "I got lifted off the ground and then you could see, as I’m trying to regain my balance, another police officer punches me in the head," she told reporters. Boyd called the police reaction "disproportionate." The Australia racial justice group Democracy in Colour condemned the "excessive police force" and called it a "violent display of state power." National director Noura Mansour said, "To see police turn pepper spray on peaceful protesters and assault people in the middle of prayer, is a profound violation of dignity." Protesters say Herzog, accused by a UN commission of inciting genocide against Palestinians, should face protests. Amnesty International said welcoming Herzog "undermines Australia’s commitment to accountability and justice." The recent war in Gaza, backed by the US, killed over 72,000 people since October 2023. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called for peace and calm, saying Australians "do not want conflict brought here." The Palestine Action Group demands police drop all charges and calls for resignations of Police Chief Mal Lanyon and NSW Premier Chris Minns. Lanyon defended police actions and labeled protesters "an angry and violent mob." Minns said police were in "incredibly difficult circumstances." The tension follows Herzog’s invitation by Albanese after a tragic shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach in December. Protests are expected to continue amid calls for justice and peace.