AJN STAFF

POLICE arrested three pro-Palestinian protesters who were among a group rallying outside the Park Hyatt Hotel in Melbourne where Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Israeli Vice Prime Minister Silvan Shalom were waiting to address about 400 delegates at an Australia-Israel Leadership Forum function on December 6.

Police said the protesters had broken an agreement to hold a peaceful protest.

There was a scuffle as 150 protestors holding flags and placards tried to force their way into the hotel from a side entrance about 7pm.

Senior Constable Wayne Wilson of Victoria Police said only three people managed to get into the building and were arrested immediately, while police held back others in the crowd who were trying to force their way in.

The struggle ensued for about 10 minutes, with police using capsicum spray and horses to disperse the crowd.

The Australia-Israel Leadership Forum aims to strengthen ties between Israel and Australia.

In Sydney on December 3, about 40 pro-Palestinian activists rallied outside an Australia-Israel Leadership Forum function.