Australian leaders urge calm after Sydney clashes during Israeli President visit

Australian leaders on Tuesday urged calm and called on protests to remain peaceful after clashes between police and demonstrators opposing Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to Australia erupted in Sydney.



Police said 27 people were arrested, including 10 for allegedly assaulting officers, after violence broke out on Monday evening when people failed to leave a planned protest site in central Sydney and police moved to clear access for pedestrians.



There were no reports of serious injuries, New South Wales state police said in a statement.



Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he was "devastated" by the violence and urged protesters to express their views peacefully.