Key points
- Protesters carry pots to symbolise Gaza’s widespread hunger
- Court overrules government to allow bridge protest
- Global pressure mounts for recognition of Palestinian state
ISLAMABAD: Thousands of demonstrators marched across Sydney’s iconic Harbour Bridge on Sunday, braving heavy rain to call for peace and the delivery of humanitarian aid to the war-ravaged Gaza Strip, where the crisis continues to worsen.
Nearly two years into a conflict that has claimed the lives of over 60,000 people in Gaza, governments and aid agencies report that severe food shortages are causing widespread hunger, according to Reuters.
Breaking 🚨Australia demands ceasefire in Gaza marching on the Sydney harbour bridge against genocide! pic.twitter.com/9lCCSvs9Z4
— Syrian Girl (@Partisangirl) August 3, 2025
Many of those participating in the demonstration — dubbed the ‘March for Humanity’ by organisers — carried pots and pans to symbolise the hunger faced by people in Gaza. Among the attendees was WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.
Preventing the march
Authorities in New South Wales, including the state’s premier, had attempted to prevent the march from taking place on the bridge — a major city landmark and transport route — citing safety risks and potential disruption. However, the state’s Supreme Court ruled on Saturday that the protest could proceed.
NSW Libertarian Party MP John Ruddick says Israel is committing “what can only be described as genocide” in Gaza
Ruddick says he’ll be “proud” to march on the Sydney Harbour Bridge at tomorrow’s pro-Palestine protest pic.twitter.com/6HYk7Z58Y2
— 6 News Australia (@6NewsAU) August 2, 2025
New South Wales Police said they had deployed hundreds of officers and urged demonstrators to remain peaceful.
Police were also present in Melbourne, where a similar rally was held.
Diplomatic pressure
Diplomatic pressure on Israel has increased in recent weeks. France and Canada have announced they will recognise a Palestinian state, while the United Kingdom has stated it will do the same unless Israel addresses the humanitarian catastrophe and agrees to a ceasefire.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada plans to recognize the State of Palestine in September, joining France and the UK, ratcheting up pressure on Israel as starvation spreads in Gaza. pic.twitter.com/buwIhuoCaZ
— People’s Daily, China (@PDChina) July 31, 2025
Israel has criticised these moves, saying they amount to rewarding Hamas — the group that governs Gaza and whose attack on Israel in October 2023 triggered an Israeli military campaign that has devastated much of the territory.
Australia’s centre-left Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, has expressed support for a two-state solution and said Israel’s blockade of aid and civilian casualties “cannot be defended or ignored,” though his government has not formally recognised Palestine.
