Monday, 25 May 2026
Tens of thousands cross Sydney Harbour Bridge in pro-Palestinian demonstration
SYDNEY – Undeterred by heavy rain, tens of thousands of protesters gathered on Sydney’s iconic Harbour Bridge on Sunday, demanding peace and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, where conditions continue to deteriorate, Reuters reports.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza, now approaching its second year, has claimed the lives of more than 60,000 people according to Palestinian officials. Governments and aid organizations are sounding the alarm as severe food shortages have led to widespread starvation.
Demonstrators, answering the call of organizers who dubbed the event the 'March for Humanity,' carried pots and pans to symbolize the hunger gripping Gaza.
“Enough is enough,” declared Doug, a man in his sixties with striking white hair. “When people worldwide unite and raise their voices, evil can be overcome.”
The crowd was diverse, from seniors to families with young children, including WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange among their number. Many marched under umbrellas, waving Palestinian flags and chanting “We are all Palestinians.”
New South Wales police estimated the turnout at up to 90,000—far surpassing expectations—while organizers from the Palestine Action Group Sydney claimed attendance reached as many as 300,000 in a Facebook post.
Last week, New South Wales authorities and the state premier attempted to prevent the march from taking place on the bridge, citing safety and traffic concerns on the city’s major artery. However, the state’s Supreme Court ruled on Saturday that the event could proceed.
Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Peter McKenna said that over a thousand officers were deployed amid concerns about the sheer size of the gathering.
“No injuries were reported,” he told reporters. “But honestly, holding an event like this at such short notice every Sunday would be a challenge.”
A similar demonstration was also held in Melbourne, where police were present to maintain order.
Globally, diplomatic pressure on Israel has been increasing. France and Canada recently announced plans to recognize a Palestinian state, while Britain has stated it will do the same unless Israel takes steps to resolve the humanitarian crisis and agree to a ceasefire.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, of the center-left, has voiced support for a two-state solution and condemned Israel’s obstruction of aid and harm to civilians as indefensible, though Australia has yet to formally recognize Palestine.
Among the demonstrators was Therese Curtis, in her eighties, who reflected on her own rights and healthcare in Australia.
“But the people in Palestine have their hospitals bombed, they’re deprived of fundamental medical care,” she said. “I’m marching specifically for that reason.”