Tens of Thousands Join Pro-Palestinian March Across Sydney Harbour Bridge

A landmark pro-Palestinian protest took place on Sunday as tens of thousands of demonstrators marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, despite heavy rainfall and initial resistance from authorities. The “March for Humanity,” described by organisers as a historic event, went ahead following a Supreme Court ruling just one day prior granting last-minute authorisation.

The bridge was closed to vehicular traffic for the first time since 2023, when it hosted 50,000 participants during World Pride celebrations.

Participants carried signs calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and urging stronger political action. Chants of “Shame, shame Israel! Shame, shame USA!” and “What do we want? Ceasefire! When do we want it? Now!” echoed across the bridge.

Among the attendees were prominent figures such as WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, federal MP Ed Husic, and former New South Wales Premier Bob Carr. Families, many with small children, joined the peaceful protest, flanked by a significant police presence, including officers from the riot squad.

“This affects us all,” said Alec Beville, holding his three-year-old son Frankie. “We could be doing much more in terms of aid.”

“Our government hasn’t taken any meaningful action no sanctions, nothing,” added protester Zara Williams, carrying her infant in a sling. “We can’t remain silent while a population is starved.”

Police Intervention Mid-March

Roughly two hours into the demonstration, participants received a mass text message from NSW Police instructing them to stop marching north and begin returning toward the city in a controlled manner due to public safety concerns. Authorities have yet to release an official crowd estimate.

Transport for NSW had earlier urged motorists to avoid the CBD, warning of significant delays and disruptions across road and public transport networks.

Legal Battle Over Protest Rights

The event followed a week of legal wrangling. The Palestine Action Group, which organised the march, submitted a notice of intention to protest last Sunday. NSW Police initially denied the request, citing inadequate time to develop a traffic management plan and raising concerns about potential crowd crushes and public safety.

NSW Premier Chris Minns supported the police decision, saying authorities could not endorse a protest of such scale and nature, warning it could throw Sydney into “chaos.”

However, the NSW Supreme Court rejected a police application to prohibit the march just 24 hours before the event. In her ruling, Justice Belinda Rigg acknowledged the validity of safety concerns but found no evidence that banning the march would improve public safety. She noted that the organiser, Josh Lees of the Palestine Action Group, had presented a compelling case for urgent action in response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Justice Rigg ordered the closure of the bridge to traffic and surrounding roads for the protest. Her ruling also ensured participants would be protected under the Summary Offences Act, shielding them from charges typically associated with unlawful public assemblies, such as obstructing traffic.

Reactions and Diplomatic Context

In response to the Supreme Court’s ruling, the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies issued a statement expressing disappointment at the authorisation of the protest.

The demonstration adds to growing political pressure on Australia to formally recognise Palestinian statehood. Countries such as France, Canada, and the UK have all indicated they may support recognition at the upcoming UN General Assembly in September, subject to specific conditions.

Speaking on ABC’s 7.30 programme, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that Australia would not be rushed into recognising a Palestinian state. He emphasised the need for conditions that ensure Israel’s long-term security before any such move is made.