Tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets across Australia on Sunday in what organizers hailed as the largest coordinated pro-Palestinian protests in the nation’s history.

Rallies were held in more than 40 cities and towns, coming just days after the United Nations declared a famine in Gaza, intensifying global outrage over Israel’s ongoing siege of the Palestinian enclave.

In Brisbane, organizers estimated at least 25,000 participants, marking the city’s most significant pro-Palestinian demonstration to date. Remah Naji, spokesperson for Justice for Palestine Magan-djin, called the event “historic,” noting strong public engagement despite restrictions imposed by local authorities. A magistrate had barred the planned march across Brisbane’s Story Bridge citing safety concerns, a decision welcomed by Queensland Police.

Undeterred, demonstrators filled Queens Garden before crossing Victoria Bridge, with ferries and city streets at full capacity. Crowds also gathered in Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, and Canberra, while regional towns including Shepparton, Geraldton, and Pine Gap saw significant turnout. Josh Lees, Sydney representative of the Palestine Action Group, described the movement as “the biggest it’s ever been.”

Protesters demand accountability, end to arms trade

The rallies were endorsed by more than 250 civil society groups and unions, including the Victorian Trades Hall Council, Unions NSW, and Unions WA. Participants carried Palestinian flags and banners, calling for sanctions against Israel and an immediate end to Australia’s arms trade with the occupation regime.

Naji attributed record turnouts in Brisbane to public frustration over governmental restrictions on protest routes. Demonstrators echoed union and advocacy group calls for a permanent ceasefire and accountability for war crimes, highlighting the urgent need for international action.

Famine in Gaza fuels global outrage

The UN’s recent famine declaration in Gaza has intensified international condemnation. Palestinian health authorities report that over 62,000 people—primarily women, children, and the elderly—have been killed since October 2023. Internal Israeli military intelligence data indicates that five out of six Palestinians killed in Gaza were civilians, a rate of noncombatant casualties virtually unmatched in modern conflicts.

Shift in Australian public opinion and policy

The protest wave coincides with significant shifts in Australian public opinion and foreign policy. As of July 2025, support for recognizing Palestinian statehood rose to 45% from 35% in May 2024. Notably, 82% of Australians view Israel’s blockade of Gaza as unjustified, while 67% believe Canberra should act to ensure humanitarian access.

In August 2025, the Australian government formally recognized Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly, marking a historic departure from the country’s previously pro-Israel stance. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the recognition, calling it “shameful” and accusing Australia of “rewarding terrorism.” Independent Senator David Pocock addressed demonstrators in Canberra, emphasizing Australia’s role as a middle power and the unprecedented scale of civic engagement, surpassing any issue he had seen in three years.

Civic and political leaders join the movement

Speakers in Sydney included author Grace Tame, journalist Antoinette Lattouf, and New South Wales Teachers Federation President Henry Rajendra. Melbourne’s protest, beginning at the State Library of Victoria, drew such large crowds that mobile networks were disrupted. Greens Deputy Leader Mehreen Faruqi criticized the government for insufficient measures, echoing calls for full sanctions and an end to military exports to Israel.

In Tasmania, Hobart’s Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds and Independent MP Andrew Wilkie led solidarity demonstrations, while Canberra civic leaders denounced the use of starvation as a weapon of war, underscoring the urgent need for international accountability.

The unprecedented scale and coordination of these protests signal a historic surge in Australian public support for Palestine, amplifying calls for justice and humanitarian aid amid the ongoing crisis in Gaza. (ILKHA)