A protest against Israel planned for Parramatta tonight has authorities on edge following the dramatic scenes of police and protesters clashing on the weekend.
Patrick Longosch of the Palestine Action Group issued a statement via Facebook yesterday, saying the planned demonstration would go ahead after negotiations with police.
‘‘The peaceful protest in support of Palestine in Parramatta, tomorrow, will be going ahead after discussions between the NSW Police and representatives of the Palestine Action Group today,’’ Mr Longosch posted.
‘‘The two parties met today to discuss arrangements to ensure the protest goes ahead as planned and remains peaceful.
The protest will be in support of the global campaign of boycotts, divestment and sanctions against Israeli Apartheid and also commemorating the massacres at the Sabra and Shatilla Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon 30 years ago.’’
Mr Longosch said the protest would target the Max Brenner shop in Parramatta because its parent company, the Strauss Group, ‘‘openly supports units of the Israeli Defence Forces, including the notorious Golani and Givati brigades’’.
But Mr Longosch's claims have been denied by the franchise, which has said the stores are locally owned and operated.
Protesters will assemble at 6pm outside Parramatta Town Hall tonight and march to the Max Brenner store at Westfield shopping centre.
The demonstration comes just five days after a group of about 400 Muslim protesters clashed with police in Sydney.
Police said six officers and 17 other people were injured when protesters threw projectiles and fought with them.
Muslim leaders have since come together to condemn the minority group who acted violently.
But tensions remain, with police and Muslim leaders holding a press conference this afternoon to call for calm.
A statement was issued by police this afternoon warning motorists and shoppers of delays.
Argyle Street will be closed from 6.30pm to 8pm, police said, with traffic diversions in place.
Roads will be closed near Argyle Street between Church Street and Hassall Street.
The bus interchange in Argyle Street will be closed and bus stops relocated to Station Street near the Sydney Water Building.