The Sydney Harbour Bridge witnessed a historic pro-Palestine march, with thousands braving rain to voice their support for Gaza. The rally was sanctioned by the Supreme Court after police initially opposed it due to safety concerns. Protesters, including prominent figures, emphasized the need for urgent humanitarian action amidst ongoing conflict.
Massive Pro-Palestine March Takes Over Sydney Harbour Bridge
Massive Pro-Palestine March Takes Over Sydney Harbour Bridge
Despite heavy rainfall, tens of thousands gather in Sydney to demand a ceasefire and humanitarian aid for Gaza in a protest recently authorized by the Supreme Court.
The planned protest across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, dubbed the March for Humanity, took place following a last-minute authorization by the Supreme Court, coinciding with the recent humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Despite torrential rain, tens of thousands of demonstrators rallied on Sunday, brandishing placards with urgent calls for political action against the war. Among notable figures present were WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, federal MP Ed Husic, and former NSW Premier Bob Carr, highlighting the event's significant engagement.
Chants of "Shame shame Israel, shame shame USA" reverberated through the crowd as families and individuals united in a peaceful assembly. Many participants, including fathers holding their children, voiced their concerns about the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, prompting calls for increased government aid and sanctions against Israel.
Halfway through the demonstration, the NSW Police sent a text requesting an immediate halt to the march for public safety reasons, instructing participants to return to the city calmly. Police have yet to release an official count of attendees, but estimates suggest the turnout was reminiscent of large public gatherings in the past.
The Palestine Action Group, the primary organizing body for the protest, initially faced resistance from law enforcement, who cited concerns over traffic management and public safety. The NSW Premier, Chris Minns, had initially expressed worries about allowing such a gathering, fearing chaos in the city.
However, just a day before the event, Justice Belinda Rigg of the Supreme Court ruled against a prohibition order, affirming the urgency behind the march. While acknowledging valid safety concerns, she noted that restricting the protest would not necessarily improve public safety, emphasizing the importance of addressing the humanitarian plight in Gaza.
Following the court's decision, the Sydney Harbour Bridge was closed to vehicular traffic, an effort to facilitate the protest while minimizing risk to participants. The authorisation placed demonstrators under the protection of the Summary Offences Act, shielding them from charges related to obstructing the road.
The ruling drew mixed reactions, notably from the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, which expressed disappointment in the court's decision. Meanwhile, Australia's international position on recognizing Palestinian statehood faces increased scrutiny, as other nations prepare to address the issue at the forthcoming United Nations General Assembly. In response, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the need for conditions that ensure lasting security for Israel before considering official recognition of a Palestinian state, urging a cautious approach unencumbered by external pressures.
Chants of "Shame shame Israel, shame shame USA" reverberated through the crowd as families and individuals united in a peaceful assembly. Many participants, including fathers holding their children, voiced their concerns about the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, prompting calls for increased government aid and sanctions against Israel.
Halfway through the demonstration, the NSW Police sent a text requesting an immediate halt to the march for public safety reasons, instructing participants to return to the city calmly. Police have yet to release an official count of attendees, but estimates suggest the turnout was reminiscent of large public gatherings in the past.
The Palestine Action Group, the primary organizing body for the protest, initially faced resistance from law enforcement, who cited concerns over traffic management and public safety. The NSW Premier, Chris Minns, had initially expressed worries about allowing such a gathering, fearing chaos in the city.
However, just a day before the event, Justice Belinda Rigg of the Supreme Court ruled against a prohibition order, affirming the urgency behind the march. While acknowledging valid safety concerns, she noted that restricting the protest would not necessarily improve public safety, emphasizing the importance of addressing the humanitarian plight in Gaza.
Following the court's decision, the Sydney Harbour Bridge was closed to vehicular traffic, an effort to facilitate the protest while minimizing risk to participants. The authorisation placed demonstrators under the protection of the Summary Offences Act, shielding them from charges related to obstructing the road.
The ruling drew mixed reactions, notably from the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, which expressed disappointment in the court's decision. Meanwhile, Australia's international position on recognizing Palestinian statehood faces increased scrutiny, as other nations prepare to address the issue at the forthcoming United Nations General Assembly. In response, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the need for conditions that ensure lasting security for Israel before considering official recognition of a Palestinian state, urging a cautious approach unencumbered by external pressures.
