Sydney Harbour Bridge Swamped by Massive Protest

Tens of Thousands March for Gaza Ceasefire Despite Downpour

Sydney’s iconic Harbour Bridge became a sea of umbrellas and ponchos as an estimated 100,000 people participated in a powerful march demanding a ceasefire in Gaza. Police described the turnout as the largest demonstration witnessed in the city’s history.

Unprecedented Turnout Halts Traffic

The massive demonstration, which organisers claim drew up to 300,000 participants, saw a relentless stream of individuals traverse the 1.2-kilometer span. Authorities temporarily halted the march due to concerns over a potential crowd crush, emphasizing the sheer scale of the gathering.

The Palestine Action Group, which has organized weekly demonstrations since October 7, 2023, saw their advocacy reach a new zenith. This marked the first time their rally occupied the landmark bridge, previously closed for public assembly only for World Pride.

“History in the Making”

Marchers, undeterred by the torrential rain, expressed the significance of the event. This is a big moment,” stated **Ali**, who carried his young daughter on his shoulders. The people shut down the Harbour Bridge – the people did it. His daughter, **Aaliyah**, her cheeks painted with the Palestinian flag colors, chanted calls for a free Palestine.

Despite the overwhelming numbers, police eventually instructed protesters to turn back. Text messages and overhead helicopters conveyed the directives, citing public safety concerns. Marchers, already soaked, complied, with one child standing atop a pillar leading a powerful chant: In our thousands, in our millions, we are all Palestinians.

Voices of the Future

Hundreds of children were present, many holding handmade signs and banging pots and pans to signify the starvation crisis in Gaza. Year five student **Maila**, her hair adorned with a keffiyeh, shared her conviction: I’m speaking out for the Palestinian kids like me, and for all of Palestine because of the war that’s been going on right now.

The diversity of the crowd was striking, featuring middle-aged women with crocheted banners, elderly couples, and even a group of British men holding a sign reading “Gay Jews 4 Gaza.”

The protest saw prominent figures in attendance, including **Julian Assange**, who held a sign that read “March for Humanity Save Gaza.” He was joined by five NSW Labor MPs and federal Labor MP **Ed Husic**, who reiterated calls for sanctions against Israel and recognition of Palestinian statehood. People power has come out, I think, largely because they just cannot abide the treatment that has been seen of little kids,” **Husic** commented.

**Abib**, marching with her husband’s heritage in mind, noted the growing awareness. I think a lot of people are starting to wake up,” she said. We’re going on two years [of war]. People that were quiet in the beginning have started to speak.

A Call for Political Action

One of the key organizers, **Josh Lees**, expressed his astonishment at the event’s magnitude. It’s even bigger than my wildest dreams,” he told reporters. It’s a mass march for humanity to stop a genocide, our politicians have to now listen to the will of the people and sanction Israel.

The demonstration occurred amidst growing international pressure on Israel. As of August 2024, the United Nations has repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, with reports indicating severe humanitarian consequences due to the ongoing conflict (UN Security Council, August 2024).

The NSW police acting deputy commissioner, **Peter McKenna**, acknowledged the unprecedented nature of the event. Gee whiz, I wouldn’t like to try and do this every Sunday,” he remarked. We’re very lucky today that the crowd was well behaved.

Tourists observing from the bridge’s peak witnessed a significant moment, one that the state’s premier, **Chris Minns**, had attempted to prevent.