Protesting Palestinians stage a significant rally across the famed Sydney Harbour Bridge
The recent humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, which has been ongoing for nearly two years, is primarily due to intense conflict following Hamas-led attacks on Israel in October 2023. This conflict has resulted in heavy fighting that has claimed over 60,000 lives, displaced 1.9 million people, and destroyed around 70% of Gaza’s infrastructure [1][2].
The current situation in Gaza is dire. The region faces catastrophic food insecurity, with one in three people regularly going without food for days. Hospitals are overwhelmed, having treated more than 20,000 children for acute malnutrition since April 2025, and at least 16 children under five have died from hunger-related causes in recent weeks [1][3]. Malnutrition rates are alarmingly high, pushing health facilities beyond their capacity as essential supplies and fuel run dangerously low [1][3].
The collapse of water and sanitation systems is worsening the spread of disease, compounding the humanitarian toll, especially on vulnerable groups like pregnant and breastfeeding women [3]. The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and the World Health Organization (WHO) have issued urgent calls for sustained, unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, protection of civilians, and an immediate ceasefire [1][4].
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has described Gaza as a "dystopian landscape" marked by total destruction and lethal conditions for civilians, emphasizing the responsibility of the global community to apply pressure on Israel to halt attacks and support a two-State solution [1][4]. Humanitarian organizations like the International Rescue Committee are actively providing aid despite extreme challenges and advocate for a ceasefire to enable safe access and the release of hostages held by Hamas [2][4].
In response to this crisis, tens of thousands of demonstrators marched across Sydney’s Harbour Bridge on Sunday, calling the event the "March for Humanity" [5]. Some demonstrators carried pots and pans as symbols of the hunger in Gaza, while others expressed their concerns about the bombing of hospitals and denial of medical care in Palestine [5]. Police deployed hundreds of personnel and urged the marchers to remain peaceful [5].
Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese supports a two-state solution and has criticized Israel's denial of aid and killing of civilians [6]. Diplomatic pressure has ramped up on Israel in recent weeks from France, Canada, and Britain, with these countries threatening to recognize a Palestinian state unless Israel addresses the humanitarian crisis and reaches a cease-fire [6].
Israel denies pursuing a policy of starvation and accuses Hamas of stealing aid, without evidence [7]. However, the international community continues to call for immediate action to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and ensure the safety and well-being of its people.
References:
[1] UN News (2025). Gaza: UN chief calls for sustained, unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, protection of civilians. [online] Available at: https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/04/1060342
[2] International Rescue Committee (2025). Gaza: A Humanitarian Crisis of Unprecedented Proportions. [online] Available at: https://www.rescue.org/news/gaza-humanitarian-crisis-unprecedented-proportions
[3] Al Jazeera (2025). Gaza: Malnutrition rates soar as war-torn enclave faces collapse. [online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/15/gaza-malnutrition-rates-soar-as-war-torn-enclave-faces-collapse
[4] UN News (2025). Gaza: UN rights chief decries 'dystopian landscape' marked by total destruction, lethal conditions. [online] Available at: https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/04/1060418
[5] ABC News (2025). Thousands march across Sydney's Harbour Bridge for Gaza. [online] Available at: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-19/thousands-march-across-sydneys-harbour-bridge-for-gaza/13338052
[6] The Guardian (2025). France, Canada and Britain threaten to recognise Palestinian state over Gaza crisis. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/20/france-canada-and-britain-threaten-to-recognise-palestinian-state-over-gaza-crisis
[7] The Jerusalem Post (2025). Israel denies pursuing policy of starvation in Gaza. [online] Available at: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/israel-denies-pursuing-policy-of-starvation-in-gaza-673246
- The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and the World Health Organization (WHO) have called for immediate humanitarian assistance in Gaza, urging the delivery of essential supplies, protection of civilians, and an immediate ceasefire.
- The crisis in Gaza has garnered international attention, with the World politics and general news forums discussing the escalating food insecurity, destruction of infrastructure, and the high malnutrition rates affecting vulnerable groups within the region.
