Arrests as protesters in Melbourne, Brisbane demonstrate against Israel's actions in Gaza

Dozens of protesters lie down on the corner of Spencer and Bourke streets. (ABC News: Leanne Wong)

Fourteen people have been arrested in Melbourne amid protests calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.

In Port Melbourne, 12 people were arrested after blocking a road on Lorimer Street, while another two were arrested for criminal damage in Carlton in the city’s inner-north.

Police allege the two individuals in Carlton were tampering with traffic lights at an intersection.

About 200 protesters were continuing to march through the city early on Monday evening, Victoria Police said.

The rallies were part of worldwide demonstrations. There was also protest activity in Brisbane.

In a statement, Victoria Police said it expected a range of protest groups to demonstrate, but that it had not been provided the locations of the protests.

“As such, we have had to pull resources from a number of regional police stations, as well as specialist areas, in preparation for protests at numerous locations,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.

“To be clear — we respect people’s right to protest when it is lawful and peaceful.

“However, there is no place for anyone wanting to deliberately disrupt and cause harm in our community.”

Police officers from the Mounted Branch, Public Order Response Team, Search and Rescue Squad, Highway Patrol and Transit police were expected to be deployed to help manage protests.

Last week, the Port of Melbourne said it was preparing to increase its security in preparation for the protests.

“Necessary steps are being taken ahead of the A15 campaign, including additional security resources and increased security patrols. As always, Port of Melbourne is working with Victoria Police to prepare for possible protest activity,” a Port of Melbourne spokesperson said on Friday.

Brisbane protesters blockade engineering firm

In the eastern Brisbane suburb of Tingalpa, about 50 protesters formed a blockade outside an engineering business.

Protesters sat on the driveway and attempted to stop people from entering the facility while police officers monitored the situation.