Thousands of protesters gathered in Sydney, Australia, today, Sunday, in a massive march across the famous Harbour Bridge, to express their solidarity with the Gaza Strip, which is suffering from a severe humanitarian crisis due to the ongoing war for more than two years. Despite heavy rain, participants insisted on demonstrating, demanding an end to the violence and the delivery of humanitarian aid to the besieged territory.

This march comes amid increasing international pressure on Israel, as France and Canada announced their recognition of the State of Palestine, while Britain confirmed its intention to follow the same step if Israel does not seriously address the humanitarian crisis and ceasefire. Israel described these plans as a reward for Hamas, which governs the territory, accusing it of carrying out attacks that led to the destruction of the area and many civilian casualties.

Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, participated in the march, expressing his support for international calls to end the war and deliver aid. Local authorities attempted last week to prevent the march from crossing the bridge, claiming it could pose security risks and disrupt transportation, but the state Supreme Court ruled to allow it to proceed.

The New South Wales Police deployed hundreds of officers in the area and urged protesters to remain peaceful, while Melbourne witnessed a similar protest march. This movement comes at a time when diplomatic pressures on Israel are increasing, with rising international calls for a ceasefire and the opening of humanitarian corridors for the Gaza Strip, which is suffering from severe shortages of food and medicine.

In a related context, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reaffirmed support for a two-state solution, expressing his discontent with Israel's refusal to allow aid and its role in civilian deaths, considering it indefensible and impossible to ignore, despite not officially recognizing the State of Palestine.