Tens of thousands of people across Australia and Europe rallied this weekend in support of Palestine as a Gaza ceasefire entered its second day, sparking cautious optimism among demonstrators. In Sydney, an estimated 30,000 protesters gathered in the city’s business district after authorities blocked an earlier plan to hold the rally at the Sydney Opera House. Similar demonstrations were held in Melbourne and 25 other Australian cities, where participants called for a permanent end to Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
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The protests coincided with Israel’s partial troop withdrawal from Gaza under a US-brokered truce aimed at halting months of violence that has killed tens of thousands of civilians. Organizers in Sydney said that even with a ceasefire in place, Palestinians continue to face occupation and systemic discrimination. Many demonstrators carried Palestinian flags, wore black-and-white keffiyehs, and chanted “Free Palestine” as they marched peacefully through closed city streets. Police confirmed there were no arrests during the rallies in Australia.
In Europe, large pro-Palestinian marches were held in major cities including London, Berlin, Vienna, and Bern. Thousands filled the streets of London, turning the River Thames embankment into a sea of red, green, and black — the colors of the Palestinian flag. Protesters carried banners reading “Stop Starving Gaza” and “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.” While the demonstrations remained mostly peaceful, minor scuffles broke out in London between protesters and a small group of counter-demonstrators waving Israeli flags.
In Switzerland, an unauthorized protest in Bern drew around 2,000 people, leading to clashes with police after some demonstrators threw fireworks. Authorities responded with tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd. Meanwhile in Berlin, turnout was smaller compared to the 60,000 who marched two weeks earlier, though participants still accused the German government of “being on the wrong side of history” for its continued support of Israel. Across Europe, the protests carried a shared message of solidarity with Gaza and calls for accountability for war crimes.
Despite the fragile truce, many protesters expressed skepticism about its long-term sustainability. Participants said that a ceasefire alone cannot undo the devastation Gaza has suffered or rebuild shattered lives. Some described the ceasefire as “too little, too late,” while others vowed to keep attending rallies until a permanent solution and justice for Palestinians are achieved. For many, the demonstrations were not just about politics but about ensuring the world keeps its “eyes on Gaza” and does not forget the human cost of the conflict.