Thousands Rally on Sydney Harbour Bridge Demanding End to Gaza Violence

In a powerful display of public dissent, tens of thousands of people marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge on August 3, 2025, calling for an immediate end to the bloodshed in Gaza and the delivery of life-saving humanitarian assistance. Despite pouring rain, a vast crowd—estimated at over 90,000, with organisers claiming up to 300,000—joined the event named the “March for Humanity”, making it one of the city’s largest mass mobilisations in recent history.

The protest was led by the Palestine Action Group Sydney and brought together a diverse group of Australians including activists, families, and public figures such as Julian Assange, former Foreign Minister Bob Carr, Senator Mehreen Faruqi, and human rights advocate Craig Foster. Demonstrators carried Palestinian flags, chanted for peace, and banged pots and pans in a symbolic protest against the growing hunger and suffering in Gaza.

Participants demanded that the Australian government take a stronger stance—urging calls for a ceasefire, increased humanitarian aid, the recognition of Palestinian statehood, and the imposition of sanctions on Israel.
Although state authorities had initially voiced concerns over public safety and traffic disruptions, the NSW Supreme Court upheld the right to peaceful assembly, allowing the march to proceed. Organisers and police later had to intervene and redirect the crowd after concerns of overcrowding raised fears of a possible crush incident. No injuries were reported, and the bridge was cleared and reopened by late afternoon.

The event highlighted widespread frustration with political leaders and underscored the Australian public’s growing demand for moral clarity and action in response to the Gaza crisis. Simultaneous solidarity rallies were also held in Melbourne and Adelaide, reinforcing the national scope of the outcry.

Sources:
Reuters, The Guardian, Daily Telegraph