Thousands Rally Across Australia Demanding Gaza Ceasefire And End To Famine

Mass pro-Palestinian demonstrations swept across more than 20 Australian cities on Sunday, as tens of thousands demanded an end to the war in Gaza, a ceasefire, and urgent humanitarian aid. Major rallies took place in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, and several regional centers.

In Brisbane, around 50,000 people marched from Queens Gardens across Victoria Bridge to Musgrave Park, after earlier court restrictions barred access to Story Bridge. Protesters called on the government to sanction Israel and halt arms exports. Melbourne's central business district was also brought to a standstill as crowds filled major streets, while in Canberra's Civic Square, demonstrators gathered in peaceful solidarity.

Sydney hosted one of the largest rallies earlier this month, when an estimated 225,000 to 300,000 people joined the“March for Humanity” across the Harbour Bridge. Organisers and independent estimates agreed it was among the biggest public demonstrations in recent Australian history, drawing attention to Gaza's humanitarian crisis.

Protesters across the country decried widespread civilian suffering and the worsening famine in Gaza, accusing the Albanese government of inaction. Slogans such as“Ceasefire Now” and“Free Palestine” dominated marches, with Greens leader Larissa Waters and former MP Max Chandler-Mather calling for concrete government measures.

Police were deployed in large numbers, but the rallies remained overwhelmingly peaceful. Authorities reported only minor incidents, including one arrest in Brisbane and brief scuffles with counter-protesters. Road closures and traffic delays were recorded in several cities, particularly Brisbane and Melbourne.

The protests came amid strained diplomatic ties, following Australia's conditional recognition of Palestinian statehood. Israeli officials strongly criticised Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, a move that further intensified domestic backlash and calls for stronger diplomatic action.

Sparked by the UN's declaration of famine in Gaza, the rallies reflected deep frustration with political inaction and a groundswell of moral outrage. Demonstrators urged the government to take meaningful steps, from sanctions to revising arms exports and boosting humanitarian aid, as Australians turned the nation's streets into powerful stages for solidarity and protest.

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