BREAKING: Thousands of protesters have flooded cities across Australia today, demanding urgent action to support Palestinians grappling with famine and violence. Marchers, representing over 250 community organizations and unions, rallied in more than 40 cities, with organizers claiming a staggering 300,000 people participated nationwide.
In Sydney alone, an estimated 100,000 protesters gathered, where prominent advocate Grace Tame energized the crowd by asking, “Who is ready to resist?” She emphasized the power of public pressure, urging attendees to mobilize further. “If we can get 300,000 to block the bridge, we can get three million,” Tame declared, highlighting the urgency of the situation as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza escalates.
The protests come in response to a recent United Nations report confirming famine conditions in parts of Gaza for the first time. This development has intensified calls for sanctions against Israel and an end to Australia’s arms trade with the nation. Activist Antoinette Lattouf criticized Western media for its treatment of Palestinian lives, stating, “It will be remembered not as a witness, but as an accomplice.”
Protests erupted in major cities including Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide, with demonstrators chanting “sanction Israel now” and “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.” In Melbourne, protesters gathered outside Victoria’s State Library before marching to Flinders Street Station. Brisbane’s rally faced adversity as a magistrate prohibited plans to march across the Story Bridge, yet organizers still claimed a turnout of approximately 50,000 participants.
According to police, the Brisbane rally remained peaceful, with only one arrest reported. Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi condemned the government’s restrictions, stating, “These scenes belong in a dystopian world.” Meanwhile, in Adelaide, around 5,000 people gathered in Victoria Square before heading to Parliament House, where they were addressed by independent senator Fatima Payman.
The momentum for these protests has been building, particularly following a march on the Sydney Harbour Bridge earlier this month, which has galvanized support for Palestine across the nation. Josh Lees from the Palestine Action Group remarked, “The dam has burst in terms of support for Palestine and opposition to this genocide.”
As the humanitarian crisis worsens, with over 60,000 Palestinians reported dead since the escalation of conflict on October 7, 2023, the urgency for change is palpable. Organizers are calling for immediate action from the Australian government, advocating for tougher sanctions on Israel as a necessary step before the upcoming United Nations meeting in September.
This movement marks the 97th consecutive weekend of protests for Gaza in Melbourne, indicating a sustained commitment to advocating for Palestinian rights. As these rallies continue to grow in size and intensity, the message is clear: Australians demand action now.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the protests evolve and government responses unfold.
