MELBOURNE, August 24, 2025 (WAFA) – Tens of thousands of people marched in cities across Australia today in what organizers described as the largest pro-Palestinian demonstrations in the country’s history. The nationwide rallies came days after a UN-backed famine review declared that parts of Gaza had officially entered Phase 5 famine – the most severe level of food insecurity – with conditions expected to worsen in the coming weeks.
In Brisbane, organizers from the Palestine Action Group pointed out a historic turnout of around 50,000 people, saying it marked the largest pro-Palestinian demonstration the city has ever seen. Crowds gathered in Queens Gardens at around 1pm, with demonstrators spilling into surrounding streets and prompting road closures in the city’s central business district. Representatives from several unions, including the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA), participated.
Melbourne saw one of the biggest reported gatherings, with organizers estimating tens of thousands marched through the city. Protesters moved through the streets calling for sanctions on Israel and an end to Australia’s arms trade with it.
In Sydney, thousands gathered in Hyde Park before marching to Belmore Park. Organizers also put the crowd at around 100,000. While not as large as the Sydney Harbour Bridge protest earlier this month, turnout remained significant, despite grey skies.
Demonstrations were held in around 40 cities and towns nationwide, with the support of over 250 community organizations and unions, including the Victorian Trades Hall Council, Unions NSW, Unions WA, Hunter Workers, and South Coast Labour Council.
Other cities across Australia also witnessed strong participation in Sunday’s pro-Palestinian demonstrations, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. In Canberra, around 2,000 people gathered in Civic Square in solidarity with the Palestinian people.
In Hobart, thousands marched through the city to Franklin Square, with the crowd stretching across several blocks.
Perth saw an estimated 25,000 people rally in the city center, where demonstrators carried signs calling for sanctions on Israel and an end to the blockade on Gaza.
In Adelaide, protesters gathered outside Parliament House before marching from Victoria Square through the heart of the city, chanting "Free Palestine" as police accompanied the procession.
Organizers framed the day of action as a response to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and called for immediate political action, including sanctions and an end to Australia’s military ties with Israel. Many speakers also condemned the ongoing Israeli genocide and the starving of innocent civilians in Gaza.
On Friday, a report from the UN-affiliated Famine Review Committee confirmed that Gaza Governorate has entered a state of full-scale famine, with child malnutrition and civilian deaths rising sharply under an ongoing Israeli siege and blockade.
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