Tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel protesters marched across Sydney’s Harbour Bridge on Sunday, calling on international community for a larger aid access to Gaza and sanctions against Israel, according to the several viral clips on social media.
The demonstration in Australia’s largest city came just days after a government minister signaled that Australia may recognize a Palestinian state in the future, and amid growing international criticism of Israel over worsening famine-like situation in Gaza.
Organized by the Palestine action group Sydney, the protest accused Israel of committing genocide in its conflict with Hamas, an allegation Israel denies.
The group outlined its demands on Facebook before the march, unrestricted humanitarian aid to Gaza, “immediate Israeli ceasefire and withdrawal” and the imposition of sanctions and an arms embargo on Israel, reported news outlet The Times of Israel.
The protest, titled the “March for Humanity,” made no mention of Hamas or the 50 Israeli hostages still held in Gaza in its list of demands shared on Facebook. Some participants carried pots and pans to represent the widespread hunger in the Gaza Strip.
Earlier the protest got a green signal from the Australian supreme court, after the New South Wales police and the state’s premier had tried to block the march on Sydney harbour bridge citing “safety hazards and transport disruptions," in what organisers called a “historic decision,” according to the news outlet.
Viral clips on social media show the protesters ranging from from the elderly to families with young children.
Among demonstrators were WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and former Australian foreign minister Bob Carr, as reported by several media reports.
New South Wales police estimated the crowd at up to 90,000, well above expectations. However, Palestine action group Sydney claimed on Facebook that the turnout may have reached 300,000.
"Shame shame Israel, shame shame USA," the crowds chanted. "What do we want? Ceasefire. When do we want it? Now," crowds can be heard chanting in the viral posts.
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