Tens of thousands of demonstrators filled the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Sunday, braving cold winds and heavy rain to demand an immediate end to Israel’s ongoing genocide and starvation policy in Gaza.

The historic bridge was closed to traffic at 11:30 a.m. as protesters gathered in Lang Park in central Sydney before marching north toward Bradfield Park. The event, organized by the Palestine Action Group, drew an unprecedented crowd. Police estimated attendance at around 100,000, while organizers claimed the turnout was closer to 300,000.

This marked the first closure of the Sydney Harbour Bridge for a protest since the 2023 World Pride march, which drew approximately 50,000 people — less than half the number seen on Sunday.

Chants calling for an end to the siege on Gaza and for the recognition of Palestinian statehood echoed across the harbour. The demonstration comes amid intensifying global condemnation of Israel’s war crimes in Gaza, where the death toll continues to climb and the Israeli-imposed blockade has driven the enclave to the brink of famine.

Australia is facing mounting public and diplomatic pressure to recognize the State of Palestine, following recent announcements by France, Canada, and the UK that they will consider formal recognition at the upcoming UN General Assembly in September.

Starvation Crisis Deepens in Gaza

Since March 2, 2025, Israel has maintained a total closure of all Gaza border crossings, blocking food, fuel, and medical aid from entering the strip. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has reported that malnutrition rates among children under five have doubled in just three months due to the siege.

The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that nearly one in five children under five in Gaza City is now suffering from severe acute malnutrition. Both agencies have directly linked the humanitarian collapse to Israel’s blockade.

Human Toll Continues to Climb

The Israeli assault on Gaza, ongoing since October 2023, has killed at least 60,430 Palestinians and injured over 148,722 others. Thousands more remain trapped under rubble, inaccessible to emergency crews due to continued bombardment.

Despite multiple calls from the UN Security Council for an immediate ceasefire and directives from the International Court of Justice ordering Israel to take measures to prevent genocide, the attacks and blockade remain in force.

Sunday’s march in Sydney added Australia’s voice to the growing international demand for an end to Israel’s siege and for urgent action to address the unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Gaza. (ILKHA)