SYDNEY: Tens of thousands of people joined pro-Palestinian rallies across Australia and Europe this weekend, calling for an end to Israel’s occupation and showing doubt about the new ceasefire in Gaza.
In Sydney, about 30,000 protesters marched through the city’s business district on Sunday after a court blocked their plan to gather at the Sydney Opera House. Similar rallies were held in Melbourne and other cities. Police said no arrests were made.
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Organiser Amal Naser said that even if the ceasefire lasts, Israel still controls Gaza and the West Bank, calling it a system of “apartheid and occupation.” Protesters carried Palestinian flags and chanted “Free Palestine” on closed city streets.
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry criticised the demonstrations, saying the organisers wanted the peace deal to fail.
Across Europe, thousands more took to the streets. In London, a huge crowd lined the River Thames waving Palestinian flags and holding signs that read “Stop Starving Gaza” and “End the Genocide.” Police reported a few scuffles with counter-protesters carrying Israeli flags.
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In Berlin, around 5,500 people marched peacefully, while in Switzerland’s Bern, clashes broke out between police and protesters after an unauthorised rally.
The protests came as Israel began pulling back troops under a US-brokered ceasefire led by President Donald Trump. The war, which began with Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack, has killed over 67,000 Palestinians and 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, according to official figures.
Many demonstrators said the ceasefire was only a temporary step, demanding a full end to Israel’s blockade and accountability for the destruction in Gaza.
“I’m here to show that the world is still watching Gaza,” said Katrina Scales, a 23-year-old student. “A ceasefire is not enough.”