Thousands rally in major cities amid diplomatic tensions with Israel
Tens of thousands of Australians took to the streets on Sunday in widespread pro-Palestinian protests across the country, voicing support for Palestinian statehood and demanding action against Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza. The demonstrations come amid growing diplomatic strain between Canberra and Tel Aviv following the Australian government’s recent recognition of a Palestinian state.
According to organisers from the Palestine Action Group, over 40 rallies were held nationwide, with large crowds gathering in major cities such as Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne. The group claimed a total turnout of approximately 350,000 people, including 50,000 in Brisbane alone — although police estimated the Brisbane crowd closer to 10,000. Authorities did not provide official estimates for Sydney or Melbourne.
Public Voices Demand Action Against Gaza Genocide
In Sydney, protest organiser Josh Lees said Australians had turned out in solidarity to “demand an end to the genocide in Gaza” and to urge the government to impose sanctions on Israel. Demonstrators waved Palestinian flags and chanted slogans like “Free, free Palestine,” turning the city’s central areas into scenes of mass mobilisation.
The protests were not without criticism. Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, told Sky News that the rallies were creating “an unsafe environment” for the Jewish community and argued such gatherings “shouldn’t be happening.”
Despite the divided reactions, the protests reflect a growing public sentiment aligned with recent political developments.
Diplomatic Fallout After Recognition of Palestinian State
Tensions between Australia and Israel have escalated in recent weeks following Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s decision to conditionally recognise a Palestinian state, aligning with similar positions recently adopted by France, Britain, and Canada. The move prompted a sharp rebuke from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who publicly criticised Albanese for the decision.
The announcement on August 11 came shortly after tens of thousands had marched across Sydney’s Harbour Bridge, calling for humanitarian aid to Gaza and an end to Israeli military action, which began nearly two years ago following a deadly Hamas-led cross-border attack.
According to Palestinian authorities, more than 60,000 people have died in Gaza since the conflict began. Humanitarian organisations continue to raise alarm over severe food shortages and widespread starvation across the besieged enclave.
