Sydney, August 3, 2025 — In a dramatic display of solidarity with Palestinians, tens of thousands of protesters marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge Sunday, braving heavy rain in one of the largest pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Australia’s history.
Organized by the Palestine Action Group, the event was only authorized after a last-minute Supreme Court ruling allowed the march to proceed. “This is a historic decision,” said organizer Josh Lees. The march, dubbed the March for Humanity, sought to pressure the Australian government to impose sanctions on Israel and recognize Palestinian statehood amid what organizers described as “ongoing atrocities in Gaza.”
Chants of “Shame shame Israel, shame shame USA” echoed across the steel spans of the bridge. Demonstrators held signs demanding a ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza. “It affects us here massively,” said Alec Beville, who marched with his three-year-old son on his shoulders. “We could be helping a lot more with aid.”
Notable participants included WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, recently released from British custody, federal MP Ed Husic, and former NSW Premier Bob Carr. Families, youth, and elderly alike marched peacefully under the close watch of NSW riot police.
At one point, NSW Police halted the march midway due to “public safety concerns,” instructing marchers via text message to turn back. No major incidents were reported.
The protest marked only the second time the Sydney Harbour Bridge was closed for a public assembly in recent memory—the first being during World Pride in 2023.
The march follows mounting international pressure on Australia to recognize Palestinian statehood. France, Canada, and the UK have already signaled their intent to support recognition under certain conditions at the upcoming UN General Assembly in September. However, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, speaking to ABC’s 7.30, stated, “We won’t be rushed into any decision. Conditions must guarantee Israel’s long-term security.”
The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies condemned the Supreme Court decision, stating they were “disappointed” that the protest was allowed to proceed on such a scale.
Despite police opposition citing insufficient traffic planning and crowd safety risks, Justice Belinda Rigg of the NSW Supreme Court ruled that the protest’s urgency outweighed those concerns. The decision protected marchers from prosecution under the Summary Offences Act.
As Australia debates its stance on Palestinian recognition, the Harbour Bridge march may prove a turning point in the nation’s foreign policy conversation.
