SYDNEY UNDER SIEGE: 40,000 Pro-Palestine Protesters to Flood City Streets Despite Opera House Ban
- Massive pro-Palestine rally expected to draw 40,000 people in Sydney, despite organisers being denied permission to march on the Opera House
- Security checkpoints to be set up in and around Hyde Park as authorities brace for potential clashes
- Protests also planned in Brisbane, Melbourne, Canberra, Cairns, and Coffs Harbour, with a convoy of 30 boats to sail along Sydney Harbour in a counter-demonstration against anti-Semitism
SYDNEY is bracing for chaos today as up to 40,000 pro-Palestine protesters are expected to flood the city’s streets, despite organisers being denied permission to march on the iconic Opera House.
The Palestine Action Group had their request to march to the Opera House rejected by three judges on Thursday, citing public safety concerns. But the group remains undeterred, with plans to rally at Hyde Park and then march to Belmore Park.
“Our right to protest is paramount in a democratic society,” Damian Ridgwell, part of the Palestine Action Group, told reporters after Thursday’s court ruling. “We will not be silenced.”
The protest comes as a ceasefire in Gaza holds for a second day, with remaining Israeli hostages set to be released by Hamas as soon as tomorrow. But the conflict has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation, with protests erupting across Australia.
In August, a massive pro-Palestine rally drew 100,000 people to the Sydney Harbour Bridge, despite torrential rain. Today’s protest is expected to be just as large, with authorities scrambling to maintain order.
Security checkpoints will be set up in and around Hyde Park, with a heavy police presence expected to be on hand. But protesters remain defiant, vowing to make their voices heard.
Meanwhile, a convoy of 30 boats is set to sail along Sydney Harbour in a counter-demonstration against anti-Semitism. The protest is expected to draw large crowds, with tensions running high.
As the city prepares for chaos, residents are being warned to expect disruptions and delays. But for the protesters, the cause is too important to ignore.
“We will not be silenced,” Ridgwell said. “We will not be ignored. We will make our voices heard.”