Sydney Harbour Bridge Shut Down as Thousands Rally in Pro-Palestine Protest | WATCH

Heavy rain did not deter an estimated 90,000 demonstrators (with organizers claiming up to 300,000) from marching across Sydney's Harbour Bridge today in one of the city's largest pro-Palestine rallies to date. The event, focused on calls for humanitarian aid to Gaza and an end to the Israel-Hamas conflict, highlighted ongoing divisions in Australia over the Middle East crisis, now nearing its second year since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks.

Protesters, waving Palestinian flags and chanting for boycotts, sanctions, and divestment from Israel, gathered at 1:30 p.m. for speeches before crossing the bridge, causing temporary traffic disruptions. Journalist Antony Loewenstein urged the crowd to support BDS measures, describing them as essential to addressing what he called "genocide and starvation in Palestine." The rally remained peaceful, with no arrests reported by New South Wales Police, who had initially raised safety concerns but allowed the march following a Supreme Court ruling.

Among the participants was WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, recently released from detention, seen marching with signs referencing broader anti-imperialist themes, including Hezbollah imagery. Similar events unfolded in Melbourne.

The protest drew sharp criticism from some quarters. Sky News host James Macpherson accused demonstrators of anti-Israel rhetoric, alleging chants that celebrated violence against Israeli forces. Social media reactions were polarized, with supporters praising the turnout as a stand for justice, while detractors condemned the bridge closure and perceived bias against Israel.

This rally occurs against a backdrop of heightened global tensions, with Australian Jewish groups expressing concerns over rising antisemitism linked to such events. Organizers emphasized their focus on "peace and aid", rejecting any association with extremism.