Thousands Rally for Palestine Across Australia, Vowing Continued Protests
SYDNEY – Thousands of pro-palestine demonstrators gathered in cities across Australia on Sunday, expressing solidarity with Palestinians and calling for an end to the blockade of Gaza. The rallies followed a recent ceasefire agreement but organizers have pledged to maintain pressure on the Australian government and international bodies until a lasting resolution is achieved.
The demonstrations reflect ongoing global concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Participants are demanding an end to what they describe as the “brutal and illegal blockade” of Gaza, and advocating for the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. The protests also highlight anxieties surrounding potential shifts in international policy,especially in light of the upcoming US presidential election.
In Sydney, a planned march on the Opera House was prevented by police, who argued it posed a security risk. Naser, the original applicant for the Opera House march, asserted protesters could have safely reached the venue, adding that police opposition “wakes up a lot of people… to the need to mobilise and stand up against it.” NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna previously told the court of appeal the march had ”disaster written all over it.”
Abubakir rafiq, recently returned to Sydney after being detained in Israel’s Ketziot prison with 83 other men, delivered an emotional speech at one rally.”I’ve been freed,” he said, “But what about those two Palestinians that I saw simultaneously occurring that I was brought to prison … what about the 10,000 Palestinian hostages that are being held in prison?”
NSW Greens MP Jenny Leong addressed crowds, stating, “We cannot let a world where Trump determines the future of the Palestinian people be the kind of world that we live in.”
The rallies were supported by the Australian Associated Press.Organizers say further protests are planned to maintain momentum and advocate for Palestinian rights.
