Thousands of Australians took to the streets in cities across the country today (Sunday, August 24) to protest what they described as “genocide in Gaza.” Demonstrators called on the government to impose sanctions on Israel for its actions in the Gaza Strip, where reports suggest an Israeli-imposed blockade has created famine-like conditions.
The protests come amid growing diplomatic tensions between Israel and Australia, following Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s decision to recognize the State of Palestine.
According to the Palestinian Action Group, more than 40 rallies were held nationwide, including major demonstrations in Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne. The group claimed that around 350,000 people participated, although police estimated only 10,000 protesters in Brisbane and provided no figures for Sydney or Melbourne.
In Sydney, Josh Lees, one of the organizers, stated, “Australians are in the streets today to demand an end to genocide in Gaza and to call for sanctions against Israel.” Protesters waved Palestinian flags and chanted “Free Palestine.”
The protests followed a sharp escalation in rhetoric from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who attacked his Australian counterpart over the recognition of Palestine—a move that aligns Australia with similar decisions by France, the UK, and Canada in support of a two-state solution, a proposal Israel rejects.
Just days earlier, tens of thousands had marched across Sydney’s Harbour Bridge demanding peace and humanitarian aid for Gaza.
Reports indicate that Israel’s 22-month-long offensive has killed over 62,000 Palestinians, drawing widespread condemnation for alleged war crimes. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes.
