TEHRAN – Protests against Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip continued across Australia over the weekend, with demonstrators demanding a ceasefire, an end to Gaza hunger and sanctions against Israel.
The rally took place in major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Brisbane. According to the Palestinian Action Group, more than 40 protests have been held nationwide, bringing an estimated 350,000 people. Approximately 50,000 people reportedly took part in the march in Brisbane alone.
In Sydney, organizer Josh Lees said Australians “have the power to demand an end to this genocide in Gaza and demand that the government sanction Israel.”
Diplomatic tensions between Australia and Israel have grown in recent months after saying they would consider perceptions of the Palestinian state following similar moves by France, the UK and Canada.
Protests are also being held within Israel, where protesters, including the families of prisoners of war, are calling for an immediate ceasefire. They fear that ongoing military operations in Gaza City will threaten the lives of those still in captivity. The demonstrations were staged outside the home of government ministers to pressure Israeli leaders to reach the deal.
Globally, protests against the war have escalated amid the rise in massive hunger warnings in Gaza. The Integrated Food Security Stages (IPC), a UN-backed food security group, reported on Friday that hunger has been confirmed to include Gaza, known as “artificial” in Gaza provinces, including Gaza.
Israel has killed more than 62,600 Palestinians and injured more than 157,000 people since launching the war with Gaza in October 2023, according to Gaza health authorities. About 300 people have died of hunger and lack of access to food and medicine.