Sun Aug 03 16:47:06 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the humanitarian crisis caused by Israel’s blockade. The protest coincided with growing international concern and potential recognition of a Palestinian state by Australia and other nations. Demonstrators criticized the Australian government’s perceived complicity in the conflict, citing its role in the supply chain for Israeli military equipment. The event featured prominent figures like Julian Assange and Senator Mehreen Faruqi, who called for sanctions against Israel.
**News Article:**
**Sydney Sees Massive Pro-Palestine March as Australia Considers Recognizing Palestinian State**
Sydney, Australia – Tens of thousands of demonstrators braved heavy rain and winds on Sunday to march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge in a powerful display of solidarity with Palestine. The “March for Humanity,” as organizers dubbed it, called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and increased aid deliveries to the war-torn region, where a man-made starvation crisis is intensifying.
The massive protest, estimated by police to have drawn up to 90,000 participants, and by organizers as many as 300,000, comes amid growing international pressure on Israel and a potential shift in Australian foreign policy. Australia recently joined over a dozen other nations in expressing a willingness to consider recognizing a Palestinian state as a crucial step towards a two-state solution.
Protesters carried pots and pans to symbolize the forced starvation in Gaza and chanted “Ceasefire Now” and “Free Palestine.” The demonstration included families, the elderly, and even WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who attended but did not address the crowd.
Senator Mehreen Faruqi of the Greens party addressed the rally, calling for the “harshest sanctions on Israel,” accusing its forces of “massacring” Palestinians.
Author Antony Loewenstein, speaking at the rally, accused the Australian government of “complicity” in the conflict. He highlighted Australia’s role in the global supply chain for F-35 fighter jets used by Israel, stating that Australians are “outraged” by the government’s limited action beyond verbal condemnation.
The demonstration underscores the growing public discontent with Australia’s stance on the conflict, as the nation grapples with the potential implications of recognizing a Palestinian state and its responsibilities in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. France, Britain and Canada have in recent weeks voiced, and in some cases qualified, intentions to diplomatically recognise a Palestinian state as international concern and criticism have grown over the hunger crisis in Gaza. At least 175 people, including 93 children, have died of starvation and malnutrition across the territory since Israel launched its war on Gaza after the Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel in October 2023, according to the latest Gaza Health Ministry figures.
First Piper 