A planned protest over the Sydney Harbour Bridge called the March for Humanity proceeded with the approval of the NSW Supreme Court, despite initial police objections. With torrential rain falling, thousands marched to express solidarity with Gaza. Notable figures, including WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, were present. Organizers claimed it was a historic moment, marking the first significant closure of this iconic landmark for a public demonstration this year.
Two hours into the march, police advised the crowd to stop walking and retreat toward the city for safety reasons. The protest, organized by the Palestine Action Group, was prompted by what they termed "atrocities" occurring in Gaza. Police had previously denied their request due to safety worries but were overruled by the Supreme Court, which acknowledged the urgency of the cause, albeit with caution regarding safety.
Although the event led to significant disruptions in transport across Sydney, it showcased a groundswell of community support for Palestine. Concurrently, pressure mounts on Australia to recognize Palestinian statehood amidst shifting international sentiments. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reaffirmed Australia's cautious stance, emphasizing security considerations before any formal recognition of a Palestinian state.
