Tens of thousands of Australians took to the streets in Sydney and Melbourne, as well as other cities across the country, to show their support for Palestine. These large-scale demonstrations occurred on Sunday, following a series of similar actions that have taken place since the latest conflict in Gaza escalated. These protests also come after an attempt to block a planned protest at the Sydney Opera House failed in court, further fueling the spirit of Palestinian supporters.
The demonstrations, organized by the Palestine Action Group, marked one of the largest displays of solidarity with Palestine that Australia has ever seen. Participants carried Palestinian flags, wore keffiyehs, and chanted slogans calling for an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. These demonstrations highlight the growing public concern and support for the Palestinian cause in Australia, as well as calls for a just and peaceful resolution to the conflict. The actions also underscore the deep divisions within Australian society regarding the Israeli-Palestinian issue, with Australian Jewish groups criticizing the actions and expressing concerns about their impact on the peace process.
Palestine Support Actions in Australia
Massive rallies in support of Palestine attracted tens of thousands of participants in various cities across Australia. Sydney and Melbourne were the main focal points, with large demonstrations filling major streets. The Palestine Action Group claimed that approximately 27 similar actions were held nationwide, demonstrating the breadth of support for the Palestinian cause in Australia. Protesters called for an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and urged the Australian government to take a stronger stance against Israeli policies. These actions demonstrated strong solidarity from the Australian community with the Palestinian people.
Number of Participants and Police Response
In Sydney, organizers estimated the number of protesters to be around 30,000. Although local police have not provided official figures, footage from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) showed thousands of people filling the city's main streets. Police reportedly closed major roads to ensure the safety of the demonstrators and the general public. According to reports, no arrests were made during the action, indicating that it was peaceful and well-organized. The large turnout and calm police response reflect the seriousness with which the Palestinian issue is treated in Australia.
Reactions to the Ceasefire and Israeli Occupation
The demonstrations took place amid the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, as part of the first phase of a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States. While the ceasefire was welcomed by many, Palestinian supporters remained skeptical and stressed that it did not resolve the root causes of the problem. Amal Naser, an organizer of the action in Sydney, stated that even if the ceasefire holds, Israel is still carrying out military occupation of Gaza and the West Bank. She added that the occupation and systemic discrimination against Palestinians in Israel are forms of apartheid.
Criticism from the Executive Council of Australian Jewry
The solidarity actions were not without criticism. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry, an umbrella organization representing more than 200 Jewish groups, condemned the demonstrations. The council's deputy executive director, Peter Wertheim, stated that the protesters wanted the ceasefire agreement to fail, which would mean the war would continue. Wertheim's statement reflects deep concerns within the Australian Jewish community about the impact of pro-Palestinian actions on the peace process and relations between the two sides.
Background to the Conflict and Previous Protests
Pro-Palestinian protests have become a routine occurrence in Australia since the war in Gaza broke out following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. The attack killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and triggered a retaliatory attack from Israel that, according to Gaza authorities, has killed more than 67,000 people and destroyed much of Gaza. Previous protests have called for an end to the blockade of Gaza, the lifting of the Israeli occupation, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. These actions reflect growing awareness and concern about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict among the Australian public, as well as calls for a just and peaceful solution to the issue.