Defying Crackdown, Australians March for Palestine across Iconic Bridge – World news

A sea of pro-Palestinian demonstrators filled the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Sunday, participating in the “March for Humanity” in protest against the ongoing Israeli onslaught in Gaza.

The march went ahead following a critical Supreme Court decision that overruled the New South Wales Police’s attempt to block the event.

Despite torrential rain, large crowds gathered in a striking display of public dissent against Australia’s continued complicity in Israeli crimes.

Among those in attendance were WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, federal MP Ed Husic, and former New South Wales Premier Bob Carr, all standing in support of Palestinian human rights.

This marked the first major public assembly on the bridge since 2023.

At one point, two hours into the march, NSW Police sent a text to demonstrators requesting a halt to the procession for “public safety” reasons, asking people to return south toward the city in a “controlled” manner.

No official figure has been provided for the number of attendees, but images showed a vast and diverse crowd stretching across the entire span of the bridge.

The protest was organized by the Palestine Action Group, which had filed for legal approval one week prior, citing the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and the need for urgent international action.

Initially, police rejected the application, citing traffic and safety concerns, and sought a prohibition order in court.

NSW Premier Chris Minns claimed that the state could not permit a protest of “this scale and nature” on the bridge, arguing it would plunge Sydney into “chaos.”

However, Supreme Court Justice Belinda Rigg dismissed the police request, stating that while safety concerns were legitimate, the rationale provided by protest organizer Josh Lees was “compelling.”

Rigg ruled that there was no evidence a ban would improve public safety and instead ordered road closures to accommodate the peaceful demonstration.

As a result of the ruling, participants were granted legal protection under the Summary Offences Act, shielding them from charges typically levied for blocking public infrastructure.

In contrast, the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies issued a statement expressing “disappointment” over the ruling.

Internationally, momentum continues to build in favor of Palestinian statehood, with countries such as France, Canada, and the UK signaling conditional recognition ahead of the September UN General Assembly.