Sydney witnessed a powerful pro-Palestinian march on Sunday as tens of thousands of demonstrators, including WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, crossed the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, prompting its temporary closure. Assange, recently returned to Australia following his release from a UK prison, marched alongside former foreign minister Bob Carr, drawing widespread attention.

Despite heavy winds and rain, protesters chanted “ceasefire now” and “free Palestine” while holding banners listing the names of children killed in Gaza. Political figures like NSW Senator Mehreen Faruqi and MP Ed Husic joined the call for Australia to recognise a Palestinian state and impose sanctions on Israel. NSW Police deployed hundreds of officers across Sydney to monitor the large-scale demonstration.

The rally comes amid growing international calls for Palestinian statehood. Countries like France, Britain, and Canada have signalled willingness to move towards recognition. While Australia has yet to formally commit, it recently joined over a dozen nations in expressing support for a two-state solution as an essential path to peace.