Melbourne [Australia], August 24 (ANI): Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets across Australia on Sunday to demand an end to what they described as the ongoing genocide in Gaza and to urge the government to impose sanctions on Israel, Al Jazeera reported.
Protesters condemned Israel’s military actions in the Palestinian territory, which has been devastated by war, widespread starvation, and famine caused by an Israeli blockade on aid. The demonstrations come amid growing diplomatic tensions between Australia and Israel following Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s August 11 announcement that his government would formally recognize a Palestinian state during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly.
The move drew sharp criticism from Israeli leadership and deepened divisions between the two countries, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling the Australian leader “weak” after his remarks on Palestine recognition.
According to the Palestine Action Group, more than 40 rallies were organized nationwide, including major gatherings in Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne. The group claimed around 350,000 people participated nationwide, with about 50,000 in Brisbane alone. However, local police gave a significantly lower estimate for Brisbane, placing the turnout at about 10,000. Police did not provide figures for Sydney and Melbourne.
In Sydney, protest organizer Josh Lees said the demonstrations reflected public outrage and solidarity with Palestinians. “Australians are out in force to demand an end to this genocide in Gaza and to demand that our government sanction Israel,” he said. Many attendees waved Palestinian flags and chanted slogans such as “Free, free Palestine,” according to Al Jazeera.
Over the past 22 months, the ongoing Israeli assault has resulted in the deaths of more than 62,000 Palestinians, drawing widespread international condemnation. Human rights groups have accused Israel of committing war crimes.
In May, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes in Gaza.
Albanese’s recognition of a Palestinian state aligns Australia with a growing number of Western countries, including France, the UK, and Canada, that have recently voiced support for a two-state solution. (ANI)
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