Massive Pro-Palestine Rally Takes Over Sydney Harbour Bridge Amid Safety Concerns

A significant protest entitled March for Humanity unfolded on the Sydney Harbour Bridge today, with tens of thousands of participants calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Initially met with police resistance, a last-minute Supreme Court decision paved the way for the gathering, although safety concerns led to police interventions during the march.

Tens of thousands of demonstrators converged on the Sydney Harbour Bridge today for the March for Humanity, advocating for urgent action regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Despite a downpour, protestors rallied together in what was described as a "historic" event, carrying placards urging politicians to end the conflict. Notable attendees included WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, federal MP Ed Husic, and former NSW Premier Bob Carr.

Chants of “Shame shame Israel, shame shame USA” echoed across the bridge, as families, some with young children, participated in the peaceful demonstration. Attendees expressed their concerns about the situation in Gaza, with locals like Alec Beville drawing parallels between their children and those affected by the conflict overseas. “We could be helping a lot more with aid,” lamented Zara Williams, highlighting the need for the Australian government to take a stronger stand.

Approximately two hours into the event, NSW Police issued a text to marchers indicating the need to halt progress due to safety concerns, instructing everyone on the bridge to turn back in an orderly fashion. No official estimates of participation numbers have been made public yet.

The Palestine Action Group, which organized the march, faced an uphill battle to secure permission for the event. Initially, police rejected an application citing insufficient time to establish a traffic management plan, while expressing concerns about a potential crowd crush. Yet, a last-minute decision by the NSW Supreme Court authorized the march, with Justice Belinda Rigg acknowledging the urgency for action concerning the humanitarian situation in Gaza despite the acknowledged safety risks.

The court's ruling included the closure of roads surrounding the bridge to vehicles, thereby granting attendees protection under the Summary Offences Act for public assembly-related violations. However, the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies expressed disappointment regarding the court's decision, illustrating the deep divisions surrounding the ongoing conflict.

As calls for recognition of Palestinian statehood intensify in Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reiterated his stance that any recognition must align with the security interests of Israel. He emphasized the need for substantive conditions to be established prior to committing to such a recognition, resisting pressure from other nations in the international community.