Pro-Palestine demonstrators will target the Surf Coast Shire Council when it holds its first meeting of 2024 on Tuesday night.
Friends of Palestine – Torquay is calling on the shire to “urgently” pass a motion of solidarity with Palestine.
The group is also demanding councillors call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
Spokesperson Sarah Molnar rejected suggestions that the conflict was beyond the scope of local councils in Australia.
“The ongoing tragedy in Gaza … extends beyond borders (and) resonates deeply with people worldwide,” she said in a statement.
“It is imperative for local representatives to address community concerns proactively, aligning with the International Court of Justice’s stance on the ‘plausible genocide’ in Gaza.
“FOPT believes that this community is surely able to focus on the local without avoiding the global.”
Ms Molnar said the shire should speak up and use its “influence and power” to stop the daily massacres of men, women and children.
Tonight’s council meeting gets underway at the Council Chambers at 1 Merrijig Drive, Torquay at 6pm.