Among the marchers was WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, making his first public appearance since his release from a UK prison, accompanied by his family and joined by former Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr in a powerful symbolic gesture.
Held under the theme "March for Humanity," the protest drew participants of all ages and backgrounds who braved heavy rain and strong winds. Protesters held signs likening Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Hitler and displayed symbols like cooking pots for Gaza’s hunger and watermelon art as a popular sign of Palestinian identity.
Some banners listed the names of thousands of Palestinian children killed since October 2023.
Despite local government efforts to block the march, organizers secured legal permission from the Supreme Court. A parallel rally in Melbourne saw minor scuffles with police and at least one arrest.
Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi called the rally “historic,” urging harsh sanctions on Israel and criticizing NSW Premier Chris Minns for trying to stop the protest.
Labor MP Ed Husic called on his party to formally recognize Palestine. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese renewed criticism of Israeli actions, saying the killing of civilians and blockade of aid to Gaza cannot be justified—drawing Israeli accusations of antisemitism.