The planned demonstration across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, labelled a "historic" event by its organizers, proceeded after receiving authorization from the Supreme Court just one day before. On Sunday, tens of thousands braved torrential rain to attend the March for Humanity, carrying signs with calls to action directed at government leaders to end the ongoing conflict. Notable figures such as WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, federal MP Ed Husic, and former NSW Premier Bob Carr joined forces with families and individuals rallying for peace.
Chants reverberated across the bridge: "Shame shame Israel, shame shame USA," along with demands for an immediate ceasefire. Among the passionate crowd was Alec Beville, who highlighted the familial ties that unite people globally in humanitarian compassion, with his three-year-old son, Frankie, perched on his shoulders. Similarly, Zara Williams expressed her concerns over government inaction, linking local policies to the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Two hours into the rally, attendees received a text from NSW Police requesting an immediate halt to the march for safety reasons. Participants were instructed to stop moving northward and turn back toward the city in a controlled manner. Motorists were advised to avoid the area, expecting significant delays and disruptions in Sydney's transport network caused by the protest.
The Palestine Action Group's initiative for the march emerged in direct response to what they termed the "atrocity" in Gaza. While police initially rejected their protest application citing insufficient preparation time for traffic control and potential crowd safety hazards, the Supreme Court ultimately rejected a prohibition order, thus allowing the event to take place. Justice Belinda Rigg acknowledged the legitimacy of safety concerns but also recognized the urgency for action regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Premier Chris Minns had expressed reservations about allowing the protest, fearing chaos in Sydney but ultimately, the legal backing supported the march's continuity. However, the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies expressed disappointment with the court's decision, reflecting the divisive nature of the protest.
As Australia faces increasing pressure to acknowledge Palestinian statehood leading into the upcoming United Nations General Assembly, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reiterated the need for security assurances for Israel before making any commitments. Meanwhile, the voices advocating for peace and a cessation of violence echoed across the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, creating a poignant moment in the ongoing struggle for Palestine's recognition and aid.
Chants reverberated across the bridge: "Shame shame Israel, shame shame USA," along with demands for an immediate ceasefire. Among the passionate crowd was Alec Beville, who highlighted the familial ties that unite people globally in humanitarian compassion, with his three-year-old son, Frankie, perched on his shoulders. Similarly, Zara Williams expressed her concerns over government inaction, linking local policies to the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Two hours into the rally, attendees received a text from NSW Police requesting an immediate halt to the march for safety reasons. Participants were instructed to stop moving northward and turn back toward the city in a controlled manner. Motorists were advised to avoid the area, expecting significant delays and disruptions in Sydney's transport network caused by the protest.
The Palestine Action Group's initiative for the march emerged in direct response to what they termed the "atrocity" in Gaza. While police initially rejected their protest application citing insufficient preparation time for traffic control and potential crowd safety hazards, the Supreme Court ultimately rejected a prohibition order, thus allowing the event to take place. Justice Belinda Rigg acknowledged the legitimacy of safety concerns but also recognized the urgency for action regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Premier Chris Minns had expressed reservations about allowing the protest, fearing chaos in Sydney but ultimately, the legal backing supported the march's continuity. However, the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies expressed disappointment with the court's decision, reflecting the divisive nature of the protest.
As Australia faces increasing pressure to acknowledge Palestinian statehood leading into the upcoming United Nations General Assembly, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reiterated the need for security assurances for Israel before making any commitments. Meanwhile, the voices advocating for peace and a cessation of violence echoed across the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, creating a poignant moment in the ongoing struggle for Palestine's recognition and aid.
