A huge pro-Palestine protest at Sydney’s iconic Harbour Bridge drew an estimated 300,000 people calling for a ceasefire and an end to Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
The ‘March for Humanity’ protest went ahead on Sunday 3 August after it was authorised by the Supreme Court a day prior in what organisers called a “historic” decision.
Despite the torrential rain, estimates of 250,000-300,000 protesters gathered in solidarity with Palestine to call on politicians to urgently act to help stop the genocide in Gaza.
Notable public figures in attendance included WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, federal MP Ed Husić, and former New South Wales Premier Bob Carr.
The famous Sydney Harbour Bridge was closed off yesterday, the last time since 2023 when there was a public assembly for World Pride.
Protesters gathered with placards, banners, and flags, all with strong and clear messages – to end israel’s war on Gaza.
“Shame shame Israel, shame shame USA,” was heard being chanted by crowds, along with “What do we want? Ceasefire. When do we want it? Now.”
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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the Sydney demonstration as “peaceful,” as many families with babies and children were seen marching across the bridge.
Prime Minister Albanese continued by saying that he was not surprised that so many Australians turned up because they wanted to show their concern for people “deprived of food and water, and essential services.”
One father, Alec Beville, said: “I know it’s the other side of the world but it affects us here massively as well,” as he compared the starving children in Gaza to his three-year-old son Frankie. We could be helping a lot more with aid.”
The response from the government
Prime Minister Albanese has been facing mounting pressure to build on the momentum of other major Western powers to recognise a sovereign Palestinian state.
The Australian government has stated its intention to formally recognise Palestinian statehood, but with several conditions, such as the demilitarisation of Hamas.
Former cabinet minister Ed Husić has urged the government to “reconsider its approach”.
However, the pro-Israel lobby group “New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies” said they were “disappointed” by the Supreme Court’s decision to authorise the protest.
Regardless of Zionist opposition, Husić called the protest “a wake up call for Australian politics”, a visible sentiment felt across Australia.
The Australian federal government has also announced a pledge of an extra $20 million in aid for humanitarian organisations in Gaza.
Prime Minister Albanese also said that he wants conditions that will ensure lasting security for Israel to be met before he commits to the recognition of a Palestinian state.
He added that he would not be pushed or pressured into decisions by other nations.
