Pro-Palestine supporters vandalise office of Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles

The protesters painted “the blood of children”, “stop arming Israel,” and “river of blood on your hands Marles,” on the front of the Deputy Prime Minister’s ministerial office in Geelong.

In a statement, Mr Marles said he was aware of the protest activity.

“My first concern is always for the safety and wellbeing of my staff,” he said.

A spokeswoman for Victoria Police said they were made aware of the vandalism at about 7am on Thursday morning.

The building was quickly cordoned off with police tape while officers investigated the area.

The historically significant building which was erected in 1851 has been occupied by Mr Marles since his election to parliament in 2007.

It’s not the first time Mr Marles office has been targeted since the Israel-Hamas conflict began on October 7.

Last month, anti-Zionist activists stormed his electorate office around the corner, some using bike locks to chain themselves to a ladder, and refused to leave.

The group erected banners reading “stop the genocide” and “disarm Israel” before the sit in was disarmed four hours later.

Fake dead bodies were also dumped out the front of his ministerial office by the group No More Bodies In Gaza in November.

Fellow Geelong-based Labor MP Libby Coker’s office was defaced last week.

“Many people throughout our community are in mourning and have strong feelings regarding what is happening in the Middle East,” Ms Coker said.

“I appreciate and support the right to protest peacefully, however, the vandalism of property and intimidation of my staff is not the solution to the ongoing conflict.”

The protest comes just a day after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon signed a letter condemning Hamas and called for a move towards a ceasefire.

Australia also voted for a resolution at the UN General Assembly calling for a humanitarian ceasefire and an immediate and unconditional release of all hostages on Wednesday morning.