On August 3, 2025, the largest pro-Palestinian protest in history took place in Sydney, Australia. It attracted a massive nearly 90,000 person public line-up. Organized by the Palestine Action Group Sydney, demonstrators marched across the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge to voice their concerns amid an escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The rally coincided with alarming reports from the Gaza Health Ministry, which revealed that at least 175 individuals, including 93 children, have succumbed to starvation and malnutrition as a result of ongoing conflict and blockade conditions.
These protests followed Israel’s military actions against Gaza. These moves were only initiated after targeted, coordinated attacks by Hamas terrorists attacked civilian communities in southern Israel on October 7, 2023. With conditions steadily deteriorating, demonstrators are calling for an immediate ceasefire. Like us, they want to put a stop to the terrible humanitarian disaster playing out in the region. Chants of “Ceasefire Now” and “Free Palestine” rang through the streets. Marchers carried symbolic pots and pans to represent the forced starvation being waged on Gazans.
Opposition to Australia’s participation in the war was raised aggressively at the rally. Australia has been part of the global supply chain for F-35 fighter jets, which Israeli forces have utilized in their operations against Gaza. Australia has been the only country to call for an end of hostilities. It has not formally recognized a Palestinian state. That could soon be set to change as Australia looks likely to join more than a dozen other countries in making that recognition.
New South Wales Senator Mehreen Faruqi speaks to the crowd, calling for “the strongest possible sanctions on Israel.” The audience clearly resonated with her comments. They are becoming ever more enraged at the perceived failure of their own government to address this crisis.
“We are deeply complicit, and people are angry that their government is doing little more than talk at this point.” – Antony Loewenstein
Author and commentator on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Loewenstein spoke at the rally. He made particular note of the anger among protesters about Israel’s military campaign and Australia’s support. The growing discontent among citizens reflects a broader call for peace and humanitarian aid deliveries to those suffering in Gaza.
The humanitarian crisis deepens as the man-made starvation caused by the blockade escalates. At the same time, protests in Sydney show both rapid awakening and deep commitment to fight for Palestinian rights. Once again, Australians are answering the call in droves. Through their participation, you can see a deep sense of urgency to address urgent issues affecting their communities and the world.
