Sydney, NSW – A massive pro-Palestinian march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Sunday drew an estimated 100,000 participants, exceeding expected numbers and prompting senior police to express concerns about a “perilous situation” and a “real risk of crowd crush.”
The march, which organisers said was peaceful and safe, was part of the “March for Humanity” protest, calling for an end to the war in Gaza.
The sheer size of the crowd forced authorities to alter the route and implement crowd control measures to prevent a potential disaster.
Organisers, including the Palestine Action Group, have confirmed that there are “no plans” for another protest over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, despite acknowledging that weekly rallies will continue.
Authorities have expressed concerns about the potential for separate mass demonstrations across the iconic landmark in the future, citing safety risks.
Senior police, including Acting Assistant Commissioner Adam Johnson, described the situation on the bridge as “intense” and one of the “most perilous” he has been involved in.
“I can honestly say in my 35 years of policing, that was a perilous situation,” he said, adding that he was worried about the potential for a major incident with loss of life.
Despite the challenges, organisers and police credited the good behaviour of protesters and the quick thinking of authorities for the fact that no-one was injured.
The event has sparked a renewed focus on the need for careful planning and coordination for large-scale protests to ensure public safety.
Organisers have hailed the march as a “successful” and “monumental” moment in anti-war protest history, with plans already underway for a national day of action on August 24.
Meanwhile, authorities are urging protesters and organisers to work closely with them to ensure that future events are planned and executed safely.
For more information, contact the NSW Police Department or the Palestine Action Group.