Hundreds Thousands Expected at Nationwide Pro-Palestine Protests Across Australia

Hundreds of thousands of Australians are set to participate in the largest pro-Palestine demonstrations in the country's history, spanning around 40 cities and towns, including major capital cities and regional areas. These protests come shortly after the United Nations declared famine in Gaza, amid escalating violence and a high death toll, with Palestinian health officials reporting over 60,000 deaths since early October 2023. Organizers, supported by numerous community groups and unions, are demanding sanctions against Israel and an end to Australia's arms trade with the country. In Brisbane, a planned protest crossing the Story Bridge was blocked by the courts due to safety concerns, but organizers adjusted the route to proceed across Victoria Bridge, with thousands expected to attend despite police concerns. Similar large-scale rallies are occurring in Melbourne and Sydney, where previous protests notably closed the Harbour Bridge, reflecting a growing national movement advocating for Palestine. The demonstrations aim to exert political pressure on the Australian government to change its policies regarding arms trade with Israel and to highlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.