90,000-Strong Pro-Palestine March Sparks Crowd Crush Fears on Sydney Harbour Bridge

Approximately 90,000 people participated in a massive pro-Palestinian protest on Sydney Harbour Bridge, far exceeding the expected turnout of 10,000 and prompting police to halt the march mid-way due to safety concerns, including the risk of a crowd crush. Despite torrential rain, the crowd's size overwhelmed authorities, who described the situation on the bridge as one of the most perilous in their experience, requiring rapid decisions to prevent potential loss of life. Police praised the peaceful behaviour of protesters and credited their efforts with preventing injuries, though they emphasized the need for more planning time for future demonstrations. Organizers denied police claims of chaos, calling the event a calm and proud display of solidarity for Palestine, and indicated no plans for a similar protest on the bridge in the near future. The protest was part of broader demonstrations across Australian cities, reflecting increased tensions related to the Israel-Hamas conflict, drawing a diverse cross-section of society, including notable figures like Julian Assange. Law enforcement highlighted the challenges posed by the short notice and large scale of the event, underscoring ongoing concerns about managing large-scale protests on such a symbolic and congested landmark.