Pro-Palestine protesters plan first-ever march across Sydney Harbour Bridge
Pro-Palestine protesters will march across Sydney Harbour Bridge for the first time in nearly two years of rallies, setting the stage for a potential confrontation with police.
In a statement, the Palestine Action Group said on Sunday it had filed a Form 1 notifying NSW Police of the “March for Humanity” set to take place at 1pm on August 3.
The group called on NSW authorities to “facilitate” the march, which is in response to the “extraordinary situation” in Gaza, including mass civilian starvation.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“As Australia’s most iconic symbol, a mass march across the Harbour Bridge will send a powerful message to the world,” the Palestine Action Group said.
That message, the group said, would be to “Gaza, to Israel, and to our own government, that we are determined to stand up for humanity”.
The protest is likely to face stiff opposition, with then-NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb previously applying to the Supreme Court to stop a pro-Palestine event.
The vigil, held on the one-year anniversary of the October 7 attacks, was ultimately given the green light after a court hearing and 11th-hour discussions with protesters.
In NSW, protesters do not need formal approval from police to hold a legal rally following the filing of a Form 1 – but police can oppose it through the court system.
The Harbour Bridge is a major thoroughfare in Sydney, but has been closed several times in recent years, including for the filming of the movie Fall Guy.
The bridge was also shuttered in 2023 for a World Pride Month march attended by Anthony Albanese.
In 2000, the bridge was the site of the Walk For Reconciliation, a rally showing support for Indigenous and non-Indigenous reconciliation attended by 250,000 people.
“It can certainly be closed to stop a genocide,”organisers said.
The Palestine Action Group said protesters planned on meeting at Lang Park, near Wynyard station, at 1pm before marching to the bridge.
The event marks almost two years of protests following Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel and the subsequent war on Gaza.
Last week, the Prime Minister accused Israel of “clearly” breaching international law, but fell short of joining ally France in recognising a Palestinian state.
NSW Police has been contacted for comment.
Originally published as Pro-Palestine protesters plan first-ever march across Sydney Harbour Bridge
