Pro-Palestinian demonstrators are preparing to march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Sunday, following authorization from the Supreme Court. The rally aims to draw attention to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which the United Nations has described as “worsening famine conditions.” The New South Wales (NSW) Police are mobilizing resources to manage the event and ensure public safety.
On Saturday, NSW Police urged participants to act peacefully, emphasizing that the rally would be closely monitored. Supreme Court Justice Belinda Rigg dismissed a police request to cancel the march on public safety grounds, stating that the potential disruption caused by the protest does not justify prohibiting it. “It is in the very nature of the entitlement to peaceful protest that disruption will be caused to others,” she remarked in her ruling.
The protest is organized by the Palestinian Action Group Sydney and has garnered support from numerous activists, human rights organizations, and public figures, including former Socceroo Craig Foster. Justice Rigg noted that hundreds of organizations, such as Amnesty International and various religious groups, back the march, reinforcing its legitimacy. The court’s decision grants protesters legal protections against charges related to blocking traffic or obstructing pedestrians.
As police prepare for the demonstration, acting deputy commissioner Peter McKenna stated that officers would be deployed throughout the area to ensure safety. “We are there to keep everyone safe… we will be making sure this is done as safely and peacefully as possible,” he told reporters. McKenna cautioned the public to avoid the city due to anticipated disruptions and reiterated his concerns about safety.
The march is expected to proceed from Sydney’s central business district (CBD) to North Sydney, with the bridge closed from 11:30 to approximately 16:00. In a show of solidarity, activists in Melbourne are also planning a rally that will navigate through the city’s CBD, aiming to reach the King Street Bridge.
In broader public sentiment, a recent YouGov survey revealed that over 60 percent of Australians favor stronger government measures to address Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Many respondents believe that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has not adequately condemned Israel’s actions, which have resulted in significant casualties. According to local health authorities, more than 60,000 Palestinians have died, including over 17,000 children, amidst reports of starvation-related deaths in recent weeks. Israel’s military campaign was initiated following an attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which reportedly resulted in 1,200 Israeli fatalities and the abduction of 250 individuals.
As the protest approaches, public attention remains focused on the implications of the rally and the underlying humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
