UPDATE: Massive protests are set to take place across Australia today, with hundreds of thousands expected to demand government action against Israel for its military offensive in Gaza. The Nationwide March for Palestine is anticipated to be the largest pro-Palestine demonstration in Australia’s history, following a significant turnout in Sydney earlier this month.
Despite a magistrates court in Brisbane banning protesters from marching across the iconic Story Bridge, organizers remain undeterred. They have confirmed an alternative route starting at Queens Gardens in Brisbane’s city center, moving to Musgrave Park via the Victoria Bridge. The march is expected to kick off today, October 14, 2023, at 12:00 PM local time.
Protests are planned in up to 37 towns and cities nationwide, with organizers like Remah Naji emphasizing the importance of this action to pressure the Albanese government to halt arms trade with Israel. The legal battle over the protest route has drawn criticism, with Queensland Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Rhys Wildman expressing disappointment over the lengthy mediation process.
Viral footage from a previous protest in Sydney showcased a diverse crowd, including children and the elderly, braving inclement weather to voice their concerns. Estimates for that protest ranged from 100,000 to 300,000 participants, highlighting the growing momentum of this movement.
Today’s rallies will feature prominent speakers, including feminist activist Grace Tame and journalist Antoinette Lattouf, both renowned for their advocacy regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The United Nations reports that over 60,000 Palestinians have lost their lives due to the ongoing conflict, including around 18,000 children.
In a dire warning issued on Friday, a UN-backed body declared a full-fledged famine in Gaza for the first time, stating that more than half a million people are facing catastrophic levels of starvation. This alarming declaration follows months of reports from aid groups about the devastating impact of the blockade imposed by Israel, which has severely restricted the flow of food and medical supplies into the enclave.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed the UN report as an “outright lie,” insisting that military operations will continue despite the growing humanitarian crisis. The renewed ground invasion is expected to displace hundreds of thousands of civilians, exacerbating an already dire situation.
As the day unfolds, all eyes will be on the protests, which are not only a demonstration of solidarity with the people of Gaza but also a crucial moment for political accountability in Australia. The global community watches closely as these events transpire, marking a significant chapter in the ongoing struggle for justice and peace in the region.
Stay tuned for live updates on this developing story as the protests commence across Australia today.
