Pro-Palestine Supporters Try to Secure Protest on Sydney Harbour Bridge

Organisers call it a ‘March for Humanity’ amid political pressure on Israel over Gaza crisis.

Palestine supporters rally outside the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia, on Oct. 9, 2023. Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images

The weekly pro-Palestine protest in Sydney is set to take a dramatic turn this July 3, with organisers planning a march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge and onward to the U.S. Consulate—diverging from its usual path through the city’s CBD.

The protest, organised by the Palestine Action Group, has been prompted by concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

In a social media post, the group cited rising death tolls from starvation and violence in Gaza.

“At least 127 people, including 85 children, have so far died from starvation in Gaza, along with over a thousand who have been shot and killed while queueing for aid in recent weeks,” they wrote.

Calling the event a “March for Humanity,” organisers argued that symbolic action was needed to “save Gaza,” accusing Israel of carrying out what they described as a genocide.

Police Yet to Approve Protest

The Palestine Action Group has submitted a “Form One” to NSW Police, a formal request to hold a public assembly. If approved, the form provides legal protection for participants under NSW protest laws.

The application has not yet been accepted.

Albanese, Macron Ramp Up Pressure on Israel

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued his strongest statement yet on July 25, calling out Israel’s actions and the growing crisis in Gaza.

“The situation in Gaza has gone beyond the world’s worst fears. Every innocent life matters. Every Israeli. Every Palestinian,” he said.

The comments followed French President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement that France would formally recognise a Palestinian state in the coming months.

Opposition Blames Hamas for Gaza Crisis

While the government has shifted its tone on Israel, the Coalition remains firm on its support of the Middle Eastern democracy.

Opposition foreign affairs spokesperson Michaelia Cash placed responsibility for Gaza’s suffering on Hamas.

“Any moral outrage about the situation in Gaza should be directed at Hamas,” she said. “Hamas and its allies have tried to disrupt the flow of aid into Gaza and have stolen humanitarian aid for their own purposes.”