
Tens Of Thousands March In Australia, Demand End To Gaza War, Sanctions On Israel
Tens of thousands of Australians joined pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel rallies on Sunday, August 24, 2025, amid increasingly tense ties between Canberra and Jerusalem, with demonstrators calling for an end to the war in Gaza and sanctions on Israel.
Organizers said more than 40 protests took place across the country, including large turnouts in Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne. Crowd estimates varied widely, with some claiming several hundred thousand participants nationwide and local police offering far smaller figures in some cities.
In Sydney, marchers — many carrying Palestinian flags — chanted for “freedom” as speakers demanded a halt to the fighting and economic penalties on Israel. The mobilization followed recent political shifts in Australia regarding recognition of Palestinian statehood and changes to diplomatic arrangements.
In Brisbane, a senator told the crowd that many were calling for peace, for sanctions similar to those imposed on Russia, and for an end to two-way arms trade. Some protest leaders expressed hope the turnout would influence government policy.
Communal leaders representing Australian Jewry warned that the rallies were creating an unsafe environment and urged authorities to ensure the safety of Jewish communities as public rhetoric intensifies.
(TOI/VFI News)
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May those who love you be secure.’” – Psalm 122:6