SYDNEY — Tens of thousands of people marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Sunday in a major pro-Palestinian demonstration, one day after the New South Wales Supreme Court authorised the event in what organisers called a “historic” decision.
Despite torrential rain, protesters carried placards urging an end to the war in Gaza and calling for political action.
Chants of “Shame shame Israel, shame shame USA” and “What do we want? Ceasefire. When do we want it? Now” echoed across the bridge.
Families with young children joined the peaceful march, while police, including riot squad officers, were stationed along the route.
Among those attending were WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, federal MP Ed Husic and former NSW Premier Bob Carr.
The bridge was last closed for a public assembly in 2023 during World Pride.
Two hours into the event, NSW Police sent a text alert to attendees instructing them to stop walking north and turn back toward the city for safety reasons. No official crowd estimate has been released.
The Palestine Action Group, which organised the march, lodged its notice of intention only a week earlier, prompting police to initially reject the application over traffic and safety concerns.
NSW Premier Chris Minns also voiced opposition, warning against potential “chaos.” Police sought a prohibition order from the Supreme Court, but Justice Belinda Rigg denied it, ruling there was no evidence that blocking the protest would improve public safety.
The court’s ruling allowed the bridge to be closed to vehicles and surrounding roads, granting attendees protection from certain public assembly-related offences under the Summary Offences Act.
The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies said it was “disappointed” with the court’s decision.
The march comes amid growing international calls for Palestinian statehood recognition. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia will only consider recognition if conditions ensure lasting security for Israel, adding he will not be pressured by other nations’ decisions. — Agencies
