Court to bridge gap between Gaza activists and cops
Thousands of people were expected to join the Sydney Harbour Bridge procession on Sunday opposing Israel's war on the blockaded enclave, before police confirmed they would not permit it.
NSW Police has taken court action to categorise it as unlawful and unauthorised, with the matter is listed for 12.30pm on Friday in the Supreme Court.
Organising group Palestine Action Group Sydney has vowed to rally regardless, without specifying where, of the court outcome, ending a Facebook post with "whatever happens, see you on Sunday".
Premier Chris Minns, who has blamed demonstrators for draining police resources for nearly two years in their facilitation of weekly protests in the city's centre, said he "cannot allow Sydney to descend into chaos".
NSW has a permit system that allows protest participants to block public roads and infrastructure, but police can go to court to deny permission.
But in an open letter, lawyers have again questioned NSW's protest laws and argued they run contrary to Australia's civil rights obligations under an international treaty.
"As a party to the core United Nations human rights treaties, Australia has recognised that freedom of assembly is a fundamental human right and, in consequence, NSW must protect it," Australian Lawyers for Human Rights vice president Kerry Weste said.
"The right of peaceful assembly extends to all gatherings for peaceful purposes, wherever they take place. and regardless of whether they occur in the form of demonstrations, protests, meetings, processions, rallies, sit-ins, candle-lit vigils or even flash mobs."
The number of Palestinians killed during the war on Gaza is more than 60,000, according to local health authorities, while dozens of people are reported by the United Nations to have died in recent weeks due to starvation.
Israel's military campaign began after militant group Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking more than 251 hostages.
The bridge has previously been shut including for a reconciliation rally in 2000 which attracted more than 250,000 people, a World Pride event with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's participation and a Hollywood film production.
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The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Thousands to march across Harbour Bridge for Palestine
The iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge will be the site of a major protest against the war in Gaza with politicians, union groups and humanitarian advocates expected to participate. Rally organiser Palestine Action Group intends to draw attention to what the United Nations has described as "worsening famine conditions" in Gaza. Organisers expect tens of thousands to march from the Sydney CBD across the bridge to North Sydney, but numbers could be affected by forecast rain. Police on Saturday sought an order to prohibit the protest but Supreme Court Justice Belinda Rigg rejected the application, meaning protesters will have immunity and protections from offences such as blocking or obstructing traffic or pedestrians. A large police presence has been mobilised to ensure safety, with the bridge to be closed to motorists for most of Sunday. "We ask that all the participants who are coming into the city to take part in this public assembly, listen to police, be respectful, understand that there will be large crowds," acting Deputy Commissioner Peter McKenna said. "We will have police right along the route and we'll be making sure this is done as safely and peacefully as possible." Police warn they will take swift action against anyone who seeks to hijack the peaceful protest. Several Labor MPs will defy Premier Chris Minns, joining the march alongside multiple Greens and independent colleagues. In support of the demonstration, the Jewish Council of Australia described the occasion as "momentous". "We stand with and join those marching across the bridge and call for immediate action to stop the Gaza genocide," executive officer Max Kaiser said in a statement. Executive Council of Australian Jewry CEO Alex Ryvchin said there was "a lot of dismay in the community and wider society that a single judge has overruled a decision of the police and the elected government made in the interests of public safety". Similar demonstrations are planned on Sunday in Melbourne and Adelaide. More than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war in Gaza, according to local health authorities, while the United Nations says dozens of people have died in recent weeks due to starvation. Israel's military campaign began after militant group Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking more than 251 hostages. The iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge will be the site of a major protest against the war in Gaza with politicians, union groups and humanitarian advocates expected to participate. Rally organiser Palestine Action Group intends to draw attention to what the United Nations has described as "worsening famine conditions" in Gaza. Organisers expect tens of thousands to march from the Sydney CBD across the bridge to North Sydney, but numbers could be affected by forecast rain. Police on Saturday sought an order to prohibit the protest but Supreme Court Justice Belinda Rigg rejected the application, meaning protesters will have immunity and protections from offences such as blocking or obstructing traffic or pedestrians. A large police presence has been mobilised to ensure safety, with the bridge to be closed to motorists for most of Sunday. "We ask that all the participants who are coming into the city to take part in this public assembly, listen to police, be respectful, understand that there will be large crowds," acting Deputy Commissioner Peter McKenna said. "We will have police right along the route and we'll be making sure this is done as safely and peacefully as possible." Police warn they will take swift action against anyone who seeks to hijack the peaceful protest. Several Labor MPs will defy Premier Chris Minns, joining the march alongside multiple Greens and independent colleagues. In support of the demonstration, the Jewish Council of Australia described the occasion as "momentous". "We stand with and join those marching across the bridge and call for immediate action to stop the Gaza genocide," executive officer Max Kaiser said in a statement. Executive Council of Australian Jewry CEO Alex Ryvchin said there was "a lot of dismay in the community and wider society that a single judge has overruled a decision of the police and the elected government made in the interests of public safety". Similar demonstrations are planned on Sunday in Melbourne and Adelaide. More than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war in Gaza, according to local health authorities, while the United Nations says dozens of people have died in recent weeks due to starvation. Israel's military campaign began after militant group Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking more than 251 hostages. The iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge will be the site of a major protest against the war in Gaza with politicians, union groups and humanitarian advocates expected to participate. Rally organiser Palestine Action Group intends to draw attention to what the United Nations has described as "worsening famine conditions" in Gaza. Organisers expect tens of thousands to march from the Sydney CBD across the bridge to North Sydney, but numbers could be affected by forecast rain. Police on Saturday sought an order to prohibit the protest but Supreme Court Justice Belinda Rigg rejected the application, meaning protesters will have immunity and protections from offences such as blocking or obstructing traffic or pedestrians. A large police presence has been mobilised to ensure safety, with the bridge to be closed to motorists for most of Sunday. "We ask that all the participants who are coming into the city to take part in this public assembly, listen to police, be respectful, understand that there will be large crowds," acting Deputy Commissioner Peter McKenna said. "We will have police right along the route and we'll be making sure this is done as safely and peacefully as possible." Police warn they will take swift action against anyone who seeks to hijack the peaceful protest. Several Labor MPs will defy Premier Chris Minns, joining the march alongside multiple Greens and independent colleagues. In support of the demonstration, the Jewish Council of Australia described the occasion as "momentous". "We stand with and join those marching across the bridge and call for immediate action to stop the Gaza genocide," executive officer Max Kaiser said in a statement. Executive Council of Australian Jewry CEO Alex Ryvchin said there was "a lot of dismay in the community and wider society that a single judge has overruled a decision of the police and the elected government made in the interests of public safety". Similar demonstrations are planned on Sunday in Melbourne and Adelaide. More than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war in Gaza, according to local health authorities, while the United Nations says dozens of people have died in recent weeks due to starvation. Israel's military campaign began after militant group Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking more than 251 hostages. The iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge will be the site of a major protest against the war in Gaza with politicians, union groups and humanitarian advocates expected to participate. Rally organiser Palestine Action Group intends to draw attention to what the United Nations has described as "worsening famine conditions" in Gaza. Organisers expect tens of thousands to march from the Sydney CBD across the bridge to North Sydney, but numbers could be affected by forecast rain. Police on Saturday sought an order to prohibit the protest but Supreme Court Justice Belinda Rigg rejected the application, meaning protesters will have immunity and protections from offences such as blocking or obstructing traffic or pedestrians. A large police presence has been mobilised to ensure safety, with the bridge to be closed to motorists for most of Sunday. "We ask that all the participants who are coming into the city to take part in this public assembly, listen to police, be respectful, understand that there will be large crowds," acting Deputy Commissioner Peter McKenna said. "We will have police right along the route and we'll be making sure this is done as safely and peacefully as possible." Police warn they will take swift action against anyone who seeks to hijack the peaceful protest. Several Labor MPs will defy Premier Chris Minns, joining the march alongside multiple Greens and independent colleagues. In support of the demonstration, the Jewish Council of Australia described the occasion as "momentous". "We stand with and join those marching across the bridge and call for immediate action to stop the Gaza genocide," executive officer Max Kaiser said in a statement. Executive Council of Australian Jewry CEO Alex Ryvchin said there was "a lot of dismay in the community and wider society that a single judge has overruled a decision of the police and the elected government made in the interests of public safety". Similar demonstrations are planned on Sunday in Melbourne and Adelaide. More than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war in Gaza, according to local health authorities, while the United Nations says dozens of people have died in recent weeks due to starvation. Israel's military campaign began after militant group Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking more than 251 hostages.
The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Hamas won't disarm unless independent Palestinian state
Hamas warns it would not disarm unless an independent Palestinian state is established - a fresh rebuke to a key Israeli demand to end the war in Gaza. Indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel, aimed at securing a 60-day ceasefire in the Gaza war and a deal for the release of hostages, ended last week in a deadlock. On Tuesday, Qatar and Egypt, who are mediating ceasefire efforts, endorsed a declaration by France and Saudi Arabia outlining steps toward a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As part of this measure, Hamas must hand over its arms to the Western-backed Palestinian Authority. In its statement, Hamas, which has dominated Gaza since 2007 but has been militarily battered by Israel in the war, said it could not yield its right to "armed resistance" unless an "independent, fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital" is established. Israel considers the disarmament of Hamas a key condition for any deal to end the conflict, but Hamas has repeatedly said it is not willing to lay down its weaponry. Last month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described any future independent Palestinian state as a platform to destroy Israel and said, for that reason, security control over Palestinian territories must remain with Israel. He also criticised several countries, including the UK and Canada, for announcing plans to recognise a Palestinian state in response to the devastation of Gaza from Israel's offensive and blockade. He called the move a reward for Hamas' conduct. The war started when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking 251 hostages back to Gaza. Israel's subsequent military assault on Gaza has turned much of the enclave into a wasteland, killing more than 60,000 Palestinians and setting off a humanitarian catastrophe. Israel and Hamas traded blame after the most recent round of talks ended in an impasse, with gaps lingering over issues including the extent of an Israeli military withdrawal. Meanwhile, Israeli forces opened fire near two aid distribution sites run by the Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation as crowds of hungry Palestinians again sought food, killing at least 10 people on Saturday. It came after US officials visited a GHF site and the US ambassador called the troubled system "an incredible feat". Nearly a week has passed since Israel, under international pressure amid growing scenes of starving children, announced limited humanitarian pauses and airdrops meant to get more food to Gaza's over two million people. But the United Nations, partners and Palestinians say far too little aid is still coming in, with months' worth of supplies piled up outside Gaza waiting for Israeli approval. Trucks that enter are mostly stripped of supplies by desperate people and criminal groups before reaching warehouses for distribution. Experts this week said a "worst-case scenario of famine" was occurring in the besieged enclave. With AP Hamas warns it would not disarm unless an independent Palestinian state is established - a fresh rebuke to a key Israeli demand to end the war in Gaza. Indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel, aimed at securing a 60-day ceasefire in the Gaza war and a deal for the release of hostages, ended last week in a deadlock. On Tuesday, Qatar and Egypt, who are mediating ceasefire efforts, endorsed a declaration by France and Saudi Arabia outlining steps toward a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As part of this measure, Hamas must hand over its arms to the Western-backed Palestinian Authority. In its statement, Hamas, which has dominated Gaza since 2007 but has been militarily battered by Israel in the war, said it could not yield its right to "armed resistance" unless an "independent, fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital" is established. Israel considers the disarmament of Hamas a key condition for any deal to end the conflict, but Hamas has repeatedly said it is not willing to lay down its weaponry. Last month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described any future independent Palestinian state as a platform to destroy Israel and said, for that reason, security control over Palestinian territories must remain with Israel. He also criticised several countries, including the UK and Canada, for announcing plans to recognise a Palestinian state in response to the devastation of Gaza from Israel's offensive and blockade. He called the move a reward for Hamas' conduct. The war started when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking 251 hostages back to Gaza. Israel's subsequent military assault on Gaza has turned much of the enclave into a wasteland, killing more than 60,000 Palestinians and setting off a humanitarian catastrophe. Israel and Hamas traded blame after the most recent round of talks ended in an impasse, with gaps lingering over issues including the extent of an Israeli military withdrawal. Meanwhile, Israeli forces opened fire near two aid distribution sites run by the Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation as crowds of hungry Palestinians again sought food, killing at least 10 people on Saturday. It came after US officials visited a GHF site and the US ambassador called the troubled system "an incredible feat". Nearly a week has passed since Israel, under international pressure amid growing scenes of starving children, announced limited humanitarian pauses and airdrops meant to get more food to Gaza's over two million people. But the United Nations, partners and Palestinians say far too little aid is still coming in, with months' worth of supplies piled up outside Gaza waiting for Israeli approval. Trucks that enter are mostly stripped of supplies by desperate people and criminal groups before reaching warehouses for distribution. Experts this week said a "worst-case scenario of famine" was occurring in the besieged enclave. With AP Hamas warns it would not disarm unless an independent Palestinian state is established - a fresh rebuke to a key Israeli demand to end the war in Gaza. Indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel, aimed at securing a 60-day ceasefire in the Gaza war and a deal for the release of hostages, ended last week in a deadlock. On Tuesday, Qatar and Egypt, who are mediating ceasefire efforts, endorsed a declaration by France and Saudi Arabia outlining steps toward a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As part of this measure, Hamas must hand over its arms to the Western-backed Palestinian Authority. In its statement, Hamas, which has dominated Gaza since 2007 but has been militarily battered by Israel in the war, said it could not yield its right to "armed resistance" unless an "independent, fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital" is established. Israel considers the disarmament of Hamas a key condition for any deal to end the conflict, but Hamas has repeatedly said it is not willing to lay down its weaponry. Last month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described any future independent Palestinian state as a platform to destroy Israel and said, for that reason, security control over Palestinian territories must remain with Israel. He also criticised several countries, including the UK and Canada, for announcing plans to recognise a Palestinian state in response to the devastation of Gaza from Israel's offensive and blockade. He called the move a reward for Hamas' conduct. The war started when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking 251 hostages back to Gaza. Israel's subsequent military assault on Gaza has turned much of the enclave into a wasteland, killing more than 60,000 Palestinians and setting off a humanitarian catastrophe. Israel and Hamas traded blame after the most recent round of talks ended in an impasse, with gaps lingering over issues including the extent of an Israeli military withdrawal. Meanwhile, Israeli forces opened fire near two aid distribution sites run by the Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation as crowds of hungry Palestinians again sought food, killing at least 10 people on Saturday. It came after US officials visited a GHF site and the US ambassador called the troubled system "an incredible feat". Nearly a week has passed since Israel, under international pressure amid growing scenes of starving children, announced limited humanitarian pauses and airdrops meant to get more food to Gaza's over two million people. But the United Nations, partners and Palestinians say far too little aid is still coming in, with months' worth of supplies piled up outside Gaza waiting for Israeli approval. Trucks that enter are mostly stripped of supplies by desperate people and criminal groups before reaching warehouses for distribution. Experts this week said a "worst-case scenario of famine" was occurring in the besieged enclave. With AP Hamas warns it would not disarm unless an independent Palestinian state is established - a fresh rebuke to a key Israeli demand to end the war in Gaza. Indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel, aimed at securing a 60-day ceasefire in the Gaza war and a deal for the release of hostages, ended last week in a deadlock. On Tuesday, Qatar and Egypt, who are mediating ceasefire efforts, endorsed a declaration by France and Saudi Arabia outlining steps toward a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As part of this measure, Hamas must hand over its arms to the Western-backed Palestinian Authority. In its statement, Hamas, which has dominated Gaza since 2007 but has been militarily battered by Israel in the war, said it could not yield its right to "armed resistance" unless an "independent, fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital" is established. Israel considers the disarmament of Hamas a key condition for any deal to end the conflict, but Hamas has repeatedly said it is not willing to lay down its weaponry. Last month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described any future independent Palestinian state as a platform to destroy Israel and said, for that reason, security control over Palestinian territories must remain with Israel. He also criticised several countries, including the UK and Canada, for announcing plans to recognise a Palestinian state in response to the devastation of Gaza from Israel's offensive and blockade. He called the move a reward for Hamas' conduct. The war started when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking 251 hostages back to Gaza. Israel's subsequent military assault on Gaza has turned much of the enclave into a wasteland, killing more than 60,000 Palestinians and setting off a humanitarian catastrophe. Israel and Hamas traded blame after the most recent round of talks ended in an impasse, with gaps lingering over issues including the extent of an Israeli military withdrawal. Meanwhile, Israeli forces opened fire near two aid distribution sites run by the Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation as crowds of hungry Palestinians again sought food, killing at least 10 people on Saturday. It came after US officials visited a GHF site and the US ambassador called the troubled system "an incredible feat". Nearly a week has passed since Israel, under international pressure amid growing scenes of starving children, announced limited humanitarian pauses and airdrops meant to get more food to Gaza's over two million people. But the United Nations, partners and Palestinians say far too little aid is still coming in, with months' worth of supplies piled up outside Gaza waiting for Israeli approval. Trucks that enter are mostly stripped of supplies by desperate people and criminal groups before reaching warehouses for distribution. Experts this week said a "worst-case scenario of famine" was occurring in the besieged enclave. With AP
Sydney Morning Herald
2 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
NSW Supreme Court green lights pro-Palestine march on Harbour Bridge
Trains will still run across the bridge, and the harbour tunnel will be open to motorists. However, the Metro will be closed for planned trackwork, and bus services over the bridge will terminate at North Sydney or Wynyard. More road closures could be expected as the situation continues, Transport for NSW said. Organisers expect more than 50,000 people to attend the protest over the Israeli government's actions in Gaza, including claims of mass starvation and the destruction of the territory's hospital system. Palestine Action Group Sydney organiser Josh Lees said the symbolism of marching on the Harbour Bridge was essential to the planned march as it would send 'an urgent and massive response' to the crisis in Gaza. 'This is going to be a historic day,' Lees said. 'This will go down, I think, as one of those moments in history when the people of the world, and in our case, the people of Sydney and NSW, stood up to be on the right side of history. There is going to come a day in everyone's lives when you are going to be asked the question: What did you do to stop the genocide in Gaza?' The Israeli government has denied claims of genocide and starvation in Gaza, claiming the war is an act of self-defence. NSW Police told the court the march was unprecedented in scale and posed a threat to public safety on one of the city's major arteries. 'We have to scramble now, there's no doubt about that,' Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna said after the verdict. 'The Supreme Court has told us to allow this to occur, so we will.' Justice Rigg said the inconvenience caused by the march to commuters was not a reason to refuse it on legal grounds. 'The fact that a protest could cause inconvenience is not enough to justify an order,' she said. 'It is in the very nature of the right of peaceful protest that disruption will be caused to others. 'If matters such as this were to be determinative, no assembly involving inconvenience to others would be permitted.' The march is the first time that an authorised protest against war will take over the Harbour Bridge. In 2000, more than 200,000 people marched over the bridge for Indigenous reconciliation. In 2023, 50,000 joined the WorldPride march for LGBT rights. NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley said the public should prepare for 'massive, massive disruption'. 'Our message is avoid the city, if you can,' she said. Justice Rigg said she accepted Lees' argument about the timing of the protest being critical to its purpose, citing the momentum of the humanitarian outcry over deteriorating conditions in Gaza as a key reason for its impact. Loading Palestine Action Group activist Rachel Evans said the group would not rule out marching on the bridge again after Sunday's protest. 'The tide is turning,' Evans said after the court's decision. 'We need to push and push further. Once we've taken the Harbour Bridge, we might take it again. 'We want all ties with Israel broken.' The decision follows a week of political upheaval for the state government after five Labor MPs defied Minns to sign a letter endorsing the march. The letter called on the government to work with protest organisers to facilitate a safe march and detailed 'in strong terms our disapproval of the ongoing starvation of the Palestinian people'. Minns said on Friday that he recognised the outpouring of community anger over the humanitarian situation in Gaza after images of starving Palestinian children shocked the world. 'They want to be able to protest. I accept that,' he said. 'The last thing we want, and the last thing police want, is chaos in Sydney streets.' Greens MP Jenny Leong said the front door to her electorate office had been smashed on Saturday after she put up a poster for the 'March for Humanity' protest. 'This is a clear attempt to intimidate us into backing down from our staunch support for the people of Palestine,' she said. 'It won't work on us.' Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has accused Israel of breaching international law by stopping food from being delivered into the 13-kilometre-wide strip, housing 2.1 million people in an area half the size of Canberra. The World Health Organisation said there had been 63 malnutrition-related deaths in Gaza last month, including 24 children under the age of five – up from 11 deaths total from January to June. The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry claims 82 people died last month of malnutrition-related causes, including 24 children and 58 adults, taking Gaza's death toll from the war, which began in 2023 after Hamas militants killed more than 700 civilians in southern Israel, to more than 60,000. Albanese has also called on Hamas to release the Israeli hostages taken as part of the attacks on October 7, as Jewish-Australian leaders raise fears the protests will fuel antisemitism. Alex Ryvchin from the Executive Council of Australian Jewry said Saturday's court decision had caused 'a lot of dismay in the community'. 'The court has allowed a professional protester who has cost the state millions of dollars to now paralyse our city,' he said. 'We take comfort knowing that the vast majority of Australians want no part of this. We continue to pray for the starved and tortured hostages still held in Gaza, whose fate is ignored or belittled by the protesters.' A spokesman for the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies said they also acknowledged with disappointment the decision of the Supreme Court authorising the march across the Harbour Bridge. 'At a time of strained social cohesion, an iconic Australian symbol and key arterial road should not be used to bring a divisive foreign conflict onto our streets,' the spokesman said. 'It is imperative that tomorrow's march does not provide a platform for some of the hate we have previously seen at weekly demonstrations in the CBD.' An application for a counter-protest in the Sydney Harbour Tunnel by fringe pro-Israel group Never Again Is Now was withdrawn on Friday morning. NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said he respected the freedom to protest but allowing the takeover of the Harbour Bridge set 'the wrong precedent'.
