Tens of thousands rally across Sydney Harbour Bridge in solidarity with Palestinians

SYDNEY, Aug 3 – Thousands of people marched across Sydney Harbour Bridge on a rainy Sunday, calling attention to the growing crisis in Gaza and urging global support for its civilians. The massive march, dubbed the “March for Humanity”, crossed the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, calling for an immediate ceasefire, access to humanitarian aid, and global attention to the dire conditions in the Gaza Strip.

Despite relentless downpours, people from all walks of life participated in the rally. Young families with children, elderly citizens, activists, and even high-profile attendees, such as WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, took part in the procession. Many were seen waving Palestinian flags, holding placards with slogans of peace and justice, and chanting in unison, “We are all Palestinians.”

The powerful demonstration unfolded against the backdrop of an ongoing conflict that has stretched nearly two years, resulting in a catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza. According to Palestinian authorities, the conflict has claimed the lives of over 60,000 individuals, with the majority being civilians. In recent months, aid agencies and global observers have raised the alarm about widespread hunger, with blockades and restrictions preventing critical supplies like food, medicine, and water from reaching the besieged population.

Among the sea of umbrellas and banners, some demonstrators carried pots and pans, a symbolic gesture highlighting the growing food insecurity in Gaza. For many, this was not just a political statement but a deeply personal moral stand.

Interviewed with Reuters Doug, a white-haired man in his 60s, expressed his frustration, saying, “Enough is enough. When people from around the world come together and raise their voices, injustice can be challenged. This gathering is not merely a protest, but a powerful demand for respect, compassion, and the recognition of human rights.”

Another marcher, Therese Curtis, in her 80s, emphasized the importance of access to healthcare, noting the contrast between her own experience in Australia and what people in Gaza are facing. “I have the privilege of living in a country where medical care is available, but people in Gaza are being denied even the most basic medical assistance. Their hospitals are under attack. I’m here to march for their right to live and be treated with humanity,” she said.

While the event was marked by peace and a sense of unity, it did not come without obstacles. In the days leading up to the protest, New South Wales police and government officials attempted to block the march, citing safety concerns and the potential for traffic disruptions. The Sydney Harbour Bridge, a key transport route and national landmark, was at the center of the dispute. Authorities argued that the march could pose hazards, but organizers pushed back, stressing the peaceful nature and significance of the event.

The situation escalated to a legal battle, with the state’s Supreme Court ultimately ruling in favor of the protestors just a day before the event. The decision paved the way for the march to go ahead as planned, drawing large crowds despite the wet weather and initial legal hurdles.

To ensure public safety, hundreds of police officers were deployed throughout the city. Authorities urged marchers to maintain order, and the demonstrators complied, resulting in a peaceful and organized protest. A similar event also took place in Melbourne, where people turned out in large numbers to express their solidarity with Gaza.

This wave of activism comes amid growing international pressure on Israel to reach a ceasefire and allow unrestricted humanitarian access. In recent weeks, several countries, including France and Canada, have declared their intention to recognize a Palestinian state. The United Kingdom has signaled it may follow suit if meaningful progress is not made toward peace and ending the humanitarian blockade.

Israel, however, has pushed back against such moves, labeling them as a reward to Hamas, the group governing Gaza. It has denied intentionally blocking aid or targeting civilians, instead accusing Hamas of misusing aid resources and using civilian areas as shields. The situation remains tense, with diplomatic rifts widening and public protests intensifying worldwide.

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, while reiterating his government’s support for a two-state solution, has stopped short of recognizing Palestine. He has publicly stated that Israel’s ongoing denial of aid and the killing of civilians are actions that “cannot be defended or ignored.” His stance, while measured, reflects growing unease within Australia’s political landscape about the unfolding crisis.