Tens of thousands of demonstrators marched across Australia on Sunday in what organizers described as the largest coordinated pro-Palestine protests in the nation's history. Spanning more than 40 cities and towns, the rallies came just days after the United Nations declared a famine in parts of Gaza, intensifying global scrutiny of "Israel’s" ongoing siege.

In Brisbane, rally organizers estimated a turnout of at least 25,000 participants, making it the city’s most significant pro-Palestinian demonstration to date. Justice for Palestine Magan-djin spokesperson Remah Naji declared the event “historic,” highlighting the surge in public engagement despite restrictions imposed by local authorities. A magistrate had barred the planned march across the Story Bridge, citing safety concerns, a decision welcomed by Queensland Police.

Despite the route change, demonstrators filled Queens Garden before crossing Victoria Bridge, while ferries and city streets reached capacity. In Sydney, Melbourne, and other cities such as Hobart and Canberra, crowds gathered in solidarity. The Palestine Action Group's Sydney representative, Josh Lees, described the movement as “the biggest it’s ever been.”

Public pressure mounts over arms trade and political inaction

The protests, which began at noon in both metropolitan and regional areas, including Shepparton, Geraldton, and Pine Gap, were endorsed by over 250 civil society groups and unions. These included the Victorian Trades Hall Council, Unions NSW, and Unions WA. Protesters demanded sanctions against "Israel" and an end to Australia’s arms trade with the occupation regime.

Free Free Palestine 🇪🇭
#Brisbane, #Australia pic.twitter.com/8t6xn8OpH8

— Noshi Gilani (@noshigilani) August 24, 2025

Naji attributed the record turnout in Brisbane partly to public frustration over governmental limitations on protest routes. Participants, many carrying signs and Palestinian flags, demanded stronger political action, echoing calls from unions and advocacy groups for a permanent ceasefire and accountability for war crimes.

Gaza famine fuels momentum for protests

The recent confirmation by the United Nations of a famine in the Gaza Strip has escalated international outrage. According to Palestinian health authorities, over 62,000 people, primarily women, children, and the elderly, have been killed since the war started in October 2023. 

Internal data from Israeli military intelligence revealed that five out of every six Palestinians killed in Gaza were civilians, a rate of noncombatant casualties virtually unmatched in recent history.

Shifting public opinion and Government stance

The protest wave coincides with a dramatic shift in Australian public opinion and foreign policy. As of July 2025, support for recognizing Palestinian statehood rose to 45%, up from 35% in May 2024. Notably, 82% of Australians now view "Israel’s" blockade on Gaza as unjustified, and 67% believe Canberra should do more to ensure humanitarian access.

This groundswell of public pressure contributed to the Australian government’s August 2025 decision to formally recognize Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly formally.

Huge turnout for the National Rally for #Palestine in Adelaide

Support from 25 organisations including @AFOPA_Australia pic.twitter.com/Ma6pKJl0BV

— Dr Pallave Dasari 🐘🐨🦀 (@PallaveDasari) August 24, 2025

The policy shift marked a historic departure from Australia's previously pro-Israeli stance and sparked tensions with the occupation regime. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the recognition as a “shameful” act that "rewards terrorism." In Canberra, independent Senator David Pocock told demonstrators that “as a middle power, we can and must be doing more.” He emphasized the unique scale of civic engagement, stating that it surpassed any other issue he had seen in the past three years.

Civil society and political voices unite

In Sydney, speakers included author Grace Tame, journalist Antoinette Lattouf, and New South Wales Teachers Federation President Henry Rajendra. Melbourne’s protest, which began at the State Library of Victoria, attracted such a large turnout that mobile networks were disrupted.

Meanwhile, Greens Deputy Leader Mehreen Faruqi criticized the government for not going far enough, echoing widespread calls for full sanctions and an end to all military exports to "Israel".

Hobart’s Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds and Independent MP Andrew Wilkie led similar demonstrations in Tasmania, while in Canberra, civic leaders expressed solidarity with Palestinians and denounced the use of starvation as a weapon of war.