Thousands rally in Sydney for Gaza, with Assange present, raising cries of "End the hunger of children"
Thousands Demand Recognition of Palestinian State in Australia
Thousands of protesters took to the streets of major Australian cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Brisbane, demanding an end to the violence in Gaza and urging the Australian government to recognize a Palestinian state.
The Sydney march, which started from Lang Park in the city center and proceeded to Bradfield Park on the northern side of the Harbour Bridge, was disrupted for safety reasons at 3 PM (local time). Images of the crowd, waving Palestinian flags, anti-war signs, and umbrellas, quickly circulated worldwide.
Ed Husic, a Federal Labor MP, said, "The power of the people has come out because we can't stay silent in the face of how children are being treated." Husic urged Australia to join the UK, Canada, and France in recognizing the Palestinian state.
In Melbourne, a similar march was blocked before it could occupy the King Street Bridge. Police cordoned off access with vehicles and riot gear. Former premier Bob Carr called on the federal government to sanction Benjamin Netanyahu and recognize the State of Palestine, stating, "We need to send a clear message: we're appalled by what appears to be a deliberate starvation of Gaza."
The protest blocked traffic from 11:30 AM (local time) in Sydney, and an emergency message was sent to all nearby mobile phones asking protesters to stop and return orderly. The return to the city center was staggered to ensure everyone's safety.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong articulated that Australia is working "with other countries on recognition" and understands both the urgency and the need to ensure any recognition is impactful and coordinated internationally. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reiterated Australia's support for a peaceful coexistence between Israel and Palestine without Hamas involvement in governance.
The government sees recognition as a matter of "when, not if," but insists it must come under appropriate conditions. The opposition Coalition also supports a two-state solution but opposes premature recognition, arguing it could inadvertently support Hamas.
This stance comes amid global moves, including by countries like France, Canada, and the UK, to recognise Palestine, particularly in the context of escalating conflict and humanitarian crises in Gaza. Australia joined 14 other countries in welcoming a pathway toward Palestinian recognition while stressing the importance of continued diplomacy to isolate Hamas and achieve peace.
Police estimated a turnout of around 90,000 people, while organizers from the Palestine Action Group claimed over 300,000 attendees. Protests also spread to Adelaide and Brisbane. The pressure is growing on Anthony Albanese's government to change its stance on the Middle East crisis.
References:
- SBS News: France, Canada, UK and who else? Where countries stand on recognising a Palestinian state
- SBS News: No Palestine left to recognise unless world works together on two-state solution, Wong says
- ECAJ: Palestine recognition looms – what comes next?
The average attendance at the Australian protests calling for a Palestinian state recognition was estimated to be around 90,000 people, according to police, while organizers claimed over 300,000 attendees. Ed Husic, a Federal Labor MP, urged Australia to align its policies and legislation with other countries like the UK, Canada, and France that have already recognized a Palestinian state, reflecting the general news of global moves towards recognition.
