An unprecedented gathering of approximately 90,000 protesters transformed the Sydney Harbour Bridge into a vibrant display of Palestinian flags on a rainy Sunday, highlighting public opposition to Israel’s military actions in Gaza. The protest, organized by the Palestine Action Group, aimed to raise awareness about the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, which the United Nations has described as worsening due to famine conditions.
The protest took place following a court ruling that allowed the demonstration to proceed despite a police order attempting to prohibit it. Among the prominent figures who joined the march were several Labor MPs, including former New South Wales Premier and former federal Foreign Minister Bob Carr, who stood alongside members of the Greens and independent politicians, defying warnings from Premier Chris Minns about potential chaos in the city.
Former WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was seen leading the crowd with Carr, holding a large placard that read “Save Gaza.” Notable attendees also included former Socceroos captain Craig Foster and former boxer and rugby league star Anthony Mundine. Addressing the crowd, Foster emphasized that Australians have witnessed “an avalanche of atrocities that cannot be denied or erased,” urging action from the government.
As the protest progressed, police expressed growing concerns for public safety. Officials urged demonstrators on the bridge to turn around to prevent a crowd crush, citing the potential for injury due to the sheer number of participants. Initially planned to conclude in North Sydney, the march was redirected back across the bridge toward the Sydney Central Business District. By 17:00, traffic on the bridge had reopened in both directions.
New South Wales Police Acting Commissioner Peter McKenna estimated the crowd size at around 90,000, describing it as the largest he had witnessed in Sydney. “We were really overwhelmed with numbers,” he remarked, commending attendees for their compliance with police directions. Meanwhile, Acting Assistant Commissioner Adam Johnson characterized the situation as “perilous,” expressing concerns that a major incident could occur, potentially leading to loss of life.
In contrast, rally speaker and independent journalist Antony Loewenstein contended that there was “no evidence” of physical danger among the massive crowd, criticizing police for what he perceived as an exaggerated narrative surrounding the event.
Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley voiced her concerns over the closure of a “critical piece of infrastructure” in Sydney, asserting the importance of free speech while questioning the necessity of such a large protest in that location. Labor backbencher Ed Husic, who has been vocal about advocating for an end to the war in Gaza, emphasized the need for unity among Australians on this issue.
First-time protesters Ian Robertson, aged 74, and Greg Mullins, aged 66, expressed their hopes that their participation could help effect change. “The world’s gone mad,” Mullins stated. Robertson added, “I came today because I don’t want my kids asking me what I was doing when this mass murder and genocide was going on.”
In Melbourne, a separate protest saw around 25,000 demonstrators march through the central business district, briefly blocking a major thoroughfare before being met by a wall of riot police at the King Street Bridge. Many participants banged pots and pans, a symbolic gesture highlighting growing concerns about mass starvation in Gaza.
According to local health authorities, the ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of over 60,000 Palestinians since the military campaign began after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking more than 251 hostages. The protests across Australia reflect a significant public outcry over the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.
