Nationwide pro-Palestinian protests sweep Australia amid Gaza crisis

Thousands of Australians took to the streets on Sunday in a nationwide wave of pro-Palestinian demonstrations, with organizers saying more than 40 protests drew hundreds of thousands to cities from Sydney to Brisbane and Melbourne. The actions occurred as Canberra’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state has strained relations with Israel, highlighting a broader global debate over Gaza and humanitarian relief. Organisers estimated about 350,000 people participated nationwide, though police figures varied, with Brisbane alone cited around 10,000 by authorities and as many as 50,000 by the organisers.

In Sydney, hundreds of protesters gathered under Palestinian flags, chanting calls to end the Gaza blockade and to press the government to sanction Israel. Organisers described the turnout as compelling evidence of widespread support for Palestinian civilians amid a Gaza crisis that has produced mass hunger and mounting casualties. One Sydney organizer said the crowd was “out in force” to demand an end to what they termed genocide in Gaza and to urge government action. A leader of Australia’s Jewish community umbrella group voiced concern, saying the demonstrations created “an...