Agencies sydney

A planned pro-Palestinian protest across the Sydney Harbour Bridge has gone ahead after it was authorised by the Supreme Court just one day prior, in what organisers called a "historic" decision. Tens of thousands turned out for the March for Humanity on Sunday despite torrential rain - with many carrying placards with messages to politicians to stop the war.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was spotted among the protesters, with other notable attendees including federal MP Ed Husic and former NSW Premier Bob Carr. The Sydney Harbour Bridge was last closed for a public assembly in 2023, when some 50,000 people marched over the iconic roadway for World Pride. "Shame shame Israel, shame shame USA," the crowds chanted. "What do we want? Ceasefire”. Lots of families, many with small babies, came out to support the peaceful demonstration. Alongside them, stationed across the bridge, were police officers from the riot squad. 

"I know it's the other side of the world but it affects us here massively as well," says dad Alec Beville, who compares the children in Gaza to his three-year-old son Frankie.