Police in Sydney, Australia, used pepper spray against pro-Palestinian protesters protesting a visit by Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

An AFP reporter witnessed police arresting at least 15 demonstrators during Monday’s clashes. Members of the media covering the event were also subjected to pepper spray.

Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Sydney’s business district and more protests were planned across the country on Monday night.

In central Melbourne, a protest was held simultaneously, with participants demanding an end to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories. About 5,000 protesters gathered outside Flinders Street train station in the city center before marching several blocks to the State Library, blocking evening rush hour traffic, according to police.

The protests continue despite Palestine Action Group organizers losing a court challenge to a police order banning them from marching from Sydney Town Hall to the NSW Parliament.

A 20-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of burning two flags and causing a fire at a tram stop. Police released her but said they expected to face a charge of wounding with intent.

Activists say Herzog, who has been found responsible by a U.N. commission of inquiry for inciting genocide against Palestinians, should not be immune from the protests.

“For more than two years, President Herzog has blatantly inflicted immense suffering on the Palestinians in Gaza with total impunity,” Amnesty International Australia said. “Welcoming President Herzog as an official guest undermines Australia’s commitment to accountability and justice. We cannot remain silent.”

Herzog described the protests as primarily an attempt to “undermine and deprive” Israel of its right to exist.

Earlier, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called for respect during Herzog’s visit, noting that he would join the president in meeting with the families of the victims of December’s Bondi Beach mass shooting.

New South Wales authorities recently expanded police powers under new protest management legislation. Shortly before the demonstrations began, protesters’ legal challenge to the measures was dismissed by the state’s highest court.

Herzog earlier laid a wreath at Bondi Pavilion in the rain to honor the victims of the attack that killed 15 people during Hanukkah celebrations.

The Israeli president begins a four-day visit to Australia there. He also met with survivors and families of victims.

“This is also an attack on all Australians,” Herzog said at the scene. “They attack the values ​​that our democracy holds dear, the sanctity of human life, religious freedom, tolerance, dignity and respect.”

“I’m here to express solidarity, friendship and love,” he added.