Tens of Thousands March Across Sydney Harbour Bridge in Support of Palestinians

Approximately 90,000 people marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Sunday in a major pro-Palestinian demonstration calling for an end to violence in Gaza and increased humanitarian aid. Despite heavy rain, the “March for Humanity,” organised by the Palestine Action Group, drew tens of thousands of participants waving Palestinian flags and carrying signs highlighting the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where nearly 60,000 people have reportedly died.

The event remained peaceful but faced logistical challenges. The New South Wales Police raised safety concerns due to overcrowding, issuing alerts to halt the march amid fears of a potential crush. Protesters were redirected and the bridge was cleared in stages to protect public safety, particularly around North Sydney’s train stations.

The march featured participation from notable figures, including Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi, MP Ed Husic, and recently freed WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. Chants of “We are all Palestinians” echoed through the crowd as marchers crossed the iconic bridge from Lang Park to Bradfield Park.

Organisers highlighted the desperate hunger crisis in Gaza by encouraging demonstrators to bring empty cooking pots as a symbol of solidarity. Meanwhile, a parallel rally in Melbourne was significantly smaller due to police restrictions that prevented access to the King Street Bridge.

The large-scale turnout in Sydney comes amid growing international recognition of Palestinian statehood, with countries such as France and Canada taking formal steps. While Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has supported a two-state solution, his government has not yet recognised Palestine.