Tens of thousands joined record-breaking pro-Palestine rallies across Australia, demanding sanctions on Israel as Gaza famine deepens.
Tens of thousands of demonstrators marched across Australia on Sunday in what organizers described as the country’s largest coordinated pro-Palestine protests. Rallies took place in more than 40 cities and towns, just days after the United Nations confirmed famine in parts of Gaza, amplifying scrutiny of Israel’s ongoing siege.
In Brisbane, organizers estimated a crowd of at least 25,000—the city’s biggest pro-Palestinian rally on record. Justice for Palestine Magan-djin spokesperson Remah Naji called the turnout “historic,” citing growing public engagement despite restrictions imposed by local authorities.
A magistrate had blocked a planned march over the Story Bridge, a decision welcomed by Queensland Police. Still, demonstrators filled Queens Garden, crossed Victoria Bridge, and spilled into packed city streets and ferries.
Similar scenes unfolded in Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Canberra, and regional centers such as Shepparton, Geraldton, and Pine Gap. Palestine Action Group spokesperson Josh Lees said the mobilization was “the biggest it’s ever been.”
Hundreds of thousands took part in huge rallies for Palestine in all Australian major cities today, the biggest in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. This one is Brisbane. https://t.co/SRljoIjr8S pic.twitter.com/rqdzRLxw7c
— tim anderson (@timand2037) August 24, 2025
Public Pressure Over Arms Trade
The protests, launched at noon nationwide, were backed by more than 250 civil society groups and trade unions, including the Victorian Trades Hall Council, Unions NSW, and Unions WA. Protesters demanded sanctions on Israel, an end to Australia’s arms trade with the occupation, and a permanent ceasefire.
Naji linked Brisbane’s record turnout partly to frustration over restrictions on protest routes. Participants, waving Palestinian flags and carrying placards, echoed union and advocacy group calls for accountability over war crimes.
Famine in Gaza Fuels Outrage
The UN’s confirmation of famine in Gaza has further intensified global anger. Palestinian health authorities report more than 62,000 Palestinians—mostly women, children, and the elderly—have been killed since October 2023. Internal Israeli military data showed five out of six deaths were civilians, one of the highest civilian casualty rates in recent history.
The wave of protests coincides with a sharp shift in Australian opinion and foreign policy. By July 2025, support for recognizing Palestinian statehood had risen to 45%, up from 35% a year earlier. Polls show 82% of Australians consider the blockade of Gaza unjustified, while 67% believe Canberra should act more forcefully to secure humanitarian aid.
This public pressure paved the way for Australia’s August 2025 decision to recognize Palestinian statehood at the UN General Assembly—a landmark departure from its historically pro-Israel stance.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the move as “shameful,” while independent Senator David Pocock, addressing demonstrators in Canberra, said: “As a middle power, we can and must be doing more.”
(PC, Al Mayadeen)
I wish there were huge Protests here like in Australia that I could join in… Here there are no Pro-Palestinian protests as it is a small village, but everyone one speaks to IS a supporter of the Palestinian People in their fight for a Nation and a safe life… a life in which israel can no longer oppress or savage or control them.