Multitudes rally in support of Palestine across Sydney Harbour Bridge
In the heart of August 2025, the Gaza Strip continues to grapple with a severe humanitarian crisis. Over the past few months, nearly 1,400 Palestinians have lost their lives while seeking food aid, with a significant number of casualties occurring around Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) sites and along food convoy routes (1, 2, 3).
The crisis has led to widespread civilian displacement, with over 90% of Gaza’s population forced to flee their homes. The death toll has surpassed 60,000, and many more suffer from malnutrition, including at least 180 recent deaths (93 of them children) from hunger-related causes (1, 2, 3).
UN experts and human rights officials have labelled the blocking or delaying of aid as inhumane and potentially war crimes, warning of a possible genocide scenario (1, 2, 3).
In response, demonstrators across the globe have taken to the streets, calling for peace, aid deliveries, and an end to the violence in Gaza. Thousands marched across Sydney's Harbour Bridge on Sunday, with police deploying hundreds of personnel to maintain order (4).
Therese Curtis, a marcher in her 80s, participated in the Sydney march to advocate for the right to medical care for people in Palestine. Similarly, a march for humanity took place in Melbourne, where participants carried pots and pans as symbols of hunger (5).
The marches were not without controversy, as they took place on city landmarks and transport thoroughfares, potentially causing safety hazards and transport disruption. However, the participants were urged to remain peaceful.
Notably, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was among the participants in the Melbourne march (5).
In the political arena, Australia's Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, has expressed support for a two-state solution and criticized Israel's denial of aid and killing of civilians. While he has not yet recognized Palestine, he has increased diplomatic pressure on Israel, threatening to recognize a Palestinian state (6).
France, Canada, and Britain have also increased diplomatic pressure on Israel, threatening to recognize a Palestinian state (6).
As the crisis continues, the international community, including Australia, France, Canada, and the UK, engage mostly through international diplomatic channels advocating for increased aid and civilian protections. However, the complex and violent military situation on the ground presents challenges to these efforts (3, 4).
At the marches, voices like that of Doug, a man in his 60s with white hair, echoed the sentiment: "Enough is enough" (5). The cry for change resounds not just in the streets, but in the halls of power as well, as the world grapples with the acute Gaza Strip humanitarian crisis.
- The ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, where nearly 1,400 Palestinians have lost their lives, has sparked worldwide protests, with thousands marching in cities like Sydney and Melbourne to demand peace and aid deliveries.
- The grave situation in Gaza has been labeled as potentially inhumane and even constituting war crimes by UN experts and human rights officials, given the blocking or delaying of aid that has exacerbated the crisis and led to at least 180 recent deaths from hunger.
- In the political sphere, Australia's Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, has voiced support for a two-state solution, criticized Israel's denial of aid and killing of civilians, and increased diplomatic pressure on Israel, threatening to recognize a Palestinian state.
- Demonstrations organized by Palestinians and their supporters have occurred not only in the streets but also in front of iconic landmarks and transport thoroughfares, leading to safety concerns and potential transport disruptions. These marches have included participants from diverse backgrounds, such as Julian Assange in Melbourne, advocating for an end to violence in Gaza and healthcare for Palestinians.
