Pro-Palestinian Rally in Sydney Features Julian Assange Among Demonstrators

On August 3, 2025, a rally supporting Palestine was held on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, drawing demonstrators including Julian Assange, who was seen wearing a red tie and marching with his family and notable figures such as former Australian foreign minister Bob Carr. Assange had returned to Australia the previous year following his release from a British high-security prison, and his presence at the rally emphasized a growing public outcry against the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where food shortages are critical.

International concerns over the conditions in Gaza have been echoed by nations such as France, Britain, and Canada, who have expressed intentions to diplomatically recognize a Palestinian state in light of the increasing malnutrition rates affecting the population. While Australia has called for an end to the ongoing conflict, it has not yet made a definitive decision regarding the recognition of Palestinian statehood, although it did release a statement alongside other countries indicating a willingness to consider such recognition as part of the two-State solution approach.

Despite challenging weather conditions that included heavy winds and rain, attendees of the pro-Palestinian march were undeterred. The crowd passionately chanted slogans like "ceasefire now" and "free Palestine," showcasing their commitment to the cause. New South Wales police heightened security measures by deploying hundreds of extra staff for the event, which was criticized by some officials, including New South Wales premier Chris Minns, who questioned the appropriateness of the protest.

Mehreen Faruqi, a senator from the left-wing Greens party, addressed the gathered crowd, declaring the march as a historic moment and advocating for severe sanctions against Israel for its military actions in Gaza. Attendees also held banners commemorating Palestinian children who have died since the outbreak of the Gaza war, which escalated following a major attack from Hamas in October 2023 that resulted in substantial loss of life on both sides.

While Assange opted not to publicly comment during the rally, other politicians, such as Labor backbench MP Ed Husic, expressed support for the recognition of a Palestinian state, urging their party, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, to take a stand. The rally coincided with escalating international pressure on Israel to cease its military operations, which have reportedly led to the deaths of over 60,000 people in Gaza. The grim statistics following the initial Hamas attack in 2023 highlighted the urgent need for resolution, as many hostages remain unaccounted for in the ongoing conflict.