BREAKING: Over 100,000 protesters rallied on the Sydney Harbour Bridge today, marking a significant escalation in Australia’s pro-Palestine movement. Organizers are capitalizing on this momentum to plan a national march for August 24, aiming to amplify calls for humanitarian support in Gaza amid ongoing conflict.
The demonstration, known as the March for Humanity, took place despite heavy rain, highlighting widespread community concern over the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Organizers from the Palestine Action Group assert that this is only the beginning, with similar protests planned in Melbourne, Perth, Canberra, and Adelaide, alongside forecasts for additional events in regional towns.
Josh Lees, a spokesperson for the group, expressed the need to harness the “massive momentum” generated by today’s event, stating, “There are pro-Palestine movements going on, protests against genocide taking place in every town and city in Australia.”
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns acknowledged the significant turnout but stressed that repeated mass demonstrations over the bridge are not feasible. “We can’t just knock out the bridge every weekend,” he stated, indicating that the government may explore regulatory measures to manage future protests at the iconic site.
Despite police estimates of 90,000 attendees, organizers believe the actual number was closer to 300,000. The peaceful nature of the rally received praise from both the police and Federal Labor MP Ed Husic, who stated that the event sent a strong message to politicians about community sentiments.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was not surprised by the turnout, emphasizing the public’s concern for those suffering in Gaza, where the population of 2.1 million people faces acute food insecurity. The United Nations has characterized the situation as the “worst-case scenario of famine,” with reports indicating that one million people are at emergency levels of food insecurity.
In response to the humanitarian crisis, the federal government announced an additional $20 million in aid for organizations delivering crucial supplies in Gaza. This announcement comes amid increasing international scrutiny of Israel’s military operations, which began after a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people and the taking of around 250 hostages.
As protests continue, both supporters and critics are voicing their opinions. Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley raised concerns about the impact of such protests on urban life while acknowledging the humanitarian concerns driving the movement. “Ultimately Australians do want to see Gazans fed, they want to see the Israeli hostages released, and they want to see the war end,” she said.
As the situation develops, the Palestine Action Group is urging Australians to continue voicing their support for humanitarian efforts, with the upcoming national march poised to draw even more attention to the plight faced by those in Gaza.
Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds, and join the conversation on social media to express your thoughts on the ongoing protests and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
