Sydney Pro-Palestine March Draws Thousands, Closes Harbour Bridge

Wed Jan 14 2026 20:04:48 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A historic pro-Palestine protest, the March for Humanity, successfully takes place over the Sydney Harbour Bridge amidst heavy rain after Supreme Court approval, leading to significant city disruptions.

The March for Humanity, organized by the Palestine Action Group, took place on Sydney Harbour Bridge with thousands in attendance, despite severe weather. Following a last-minute Supreme Court ruling, police initially urged marchers to stop for safety, causing major transport delays. The event reflects Australia's growing tensions regarding recognition of Palestinian statehood as global pressure mounts.

A pro-Palestine demonstration known as the March for Humanity successfully unfolded on the Sydney Harbour Bridge after the Supreme Court granted approval just a day ahead of the scheduled event. Despite heavy rain, thousands gathered to express solidarity with Gaza, marking the occasion as a significant public assembly. Notable figures, including WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, federal MP Ed Husic, and former NSW Premier Bob Carr, were present among the participants.

Two hours into the protest, attendees received a message from the NSW Police suggesting they pause the march due to public safety concerns, instructing them to return toward the city in an organized manner. Although police did not provide a crowd estimate, they alerted drivers to avoid the area and anticipate severe traffic disruptions across Sydney due to the protest.

Initially, the Palestine Action Group submitted an intention to march across the bridge in light of what they termed the "atrocity" in Gaza. However, authorities initially rejected their application, citing time constraints for creating an adequate traffic management plan. Premier Chris Minns remarked that he could not allow such a march of significant scale to proceed unregulated.

The NSW Police sought a prohibition order against the event, but it was ultimately denied by the Supreme Court just before the demonstration. Justice Belinda Rigg, addressing the safety concerns associated with the march, acknowledged the urgency highlighted by organizer Josh Lees in relation to humanitarian conditions in Gaza. Consequently, the court ruled that the bridge should be closed to vehicles, safeguarding the march under the Summary Offences Act, which protects participants from being charged for public assembly violations.

The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies expressed disappointment regarding the Supreme Court's decision to allow the march to proceed. Meanwhile, Australia faces mounting calls to recognize Palestinian statehood amid similar considerations expressed by France, Canada, and the UK ahead of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has stated that recognition will depend on meeting conditions that ensure lasting security for Israel, emphasizing that he will not be pressured by international counterparts.