NSW police say poor communication between officers caused a violent disruption of Muslim worshippers praying outside Sydney Town Hall during a protest on Monday. The protest was against Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit. Police footage showed worshippers being shoved and dragged while performing their sunset prayer. A senior officer had agreed to let the prayer finish before moving the men on. A police spokesperson said, "The senior officer was attempting to relay that message to other officers who were carrying out a move-on direction during what was a noisy, dynamic and fast-moving situation. However, some worshippers were moved on before the message from the senior officer was able to be relayed." Police commissioner Mal Lanyon offered a limited apology, saying, "I have apologised for any offence taken for interfering with that religious process." He stressed the move-on order was not aimed at any religion. NSW Premier Chris Minns backed the police and refused to apologise. He also rejected calls for an independent investigation into the police’s actions at the protest. Minns said, "I genuinely believe … that NSW police, their leadership, their regular officers, would never, ever have disrupted a prayer service, or individual Australians who were exercising their religion unless it was in the middle of a riot." Sheikh Wesam Charkawi, leader of the prayer, called for an inquiry and consequences, saying, "The commissioner is ultimately responsible. Those who made the decisions must step down, resign or be removed from their position." Barrister and former police officer Mahmud Hawila negotiated during the protest to allow prayers to finish. Hawila demands police release body camera footage, apologise publicly, and allow an independent investigation. The protest, organized by pro-Palestine groups, coincided with Herzog’s four-day visit. It was declared a "major event," expanding police powers in Sydney. Police were seen pushing, punching, and pepper spraying protesters and medics. Five people were hospitalised, and nine were charged after the rally.