A Pro-Palestine group that planned a protest outside Myer’s Christmas windows have opted to cancel their demonstration. It comes after Sunday’s public unveiling of the windows was cancelled as a result of the protest.

A fierce response to pro-Palestine protesters planning to disrupt the unveiling of the Myer Christmas Windows has prompted the Victorian government to announce it will strengthen anti-vilification laws to enhance social cohesion and give police more power to manage demonstrations.

Myer’s annual Christmas window unveiling event has been scrapped over safety concerns due to a planned pro-Palestine protest, calling for the end of the ongoing war.

Jacqui Felgate has clashed with President of the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network, Nasser Mashni, over the now cancelled pro-Palestine protest outside of the Myer Christmas windows on the weekend.

The organiser of a pro-Palestine protest group has provided a controversial reason for plans to disrupt the Myer Christmas Windows, as they ignored pleas from Victoria Police to respect the holiday tradition.

Retail giant Myer has confirmed the opening of its beloved Christmas windows will not go ahead on Sunday, despite pro-Palestine activists cancelling their “planned disruptions” following widespread backlash.

In a move that has disappointed Melburnians, Myer has announced the cancellation of its iconic annual Christmas window unveiling on Bourke Street Mall following threats of disruption by pro-Palestine protesters.

Related: Australia backs UN resolution recognising ‘permanent sovereignty’ of Palestinians in major departure. He said that when it comes down to it “most people want to see

The official unveiling of Myer's Christmas windows on Bourke Street this Sunday will not go ahead after a protest was organised to disrupt the event.

Pro-Palestine demonstrators have been told to "leave Christmas alone" after Myer was forced to cancel an almost seven-decade-long tradition over protest fears.