Thousands march in Australia over Palestine state recognition

A wave of pro-Palestinian protests swept across Australia on Sunday, drawing hundreds of thousands to the streets just weeks after the government announced its decision to recognise a Palestinian state.

According to the Palestine Action Group, more than 40 rallies were held nationwide, with an estimated 350,000 people turning out in cities including Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Police figures suggest lower attendance in some areas, but the scale of mobilisation was undeniable.

In Sydney, organiser Josh Lees said demonstrators were demanding “an end to the genocide in Gaza” and calling on the Australian government to impose sanctions on Israel.

The protests follow a landmark decision made on 11 August, when Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s administration formally recognised the Palestinian state, a move that has sparked fierce international debate.

The Executive Council of Australian Jewry, representing the country’s Jewish community, condemned the rallies, claiming they created “an unsafe environment and shouldn’t be happening”.

Tensions escalated further last week when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched a series of personal attacks against Mr Albanese.

Speaking on Wednesday, Mr Netanyahu accused the Australian leader of showing weakness in the face of “Hamas terrorist monsters”, adding that Mr Albanese had “betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia’s Jews”.

Mr Albanese responded calmly, stating that he did not “take these things personally” and that he continued to treat foreign leaders with respect.

The recognition of Palestine came after a dramatic show of public support, with tens of thousands marching across Sydney’s iconic Harbour Bridge earlier this year.