90,000 Pro-Palestine Marchers Spark Chaos on Sydney Bridge

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An estimated 90,000 pro-Palestine protesters marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, creating a perilous situation with a risk of crowd crush, as police criticized inadequate planning by organizers.

On August 3, 2025, the Sydney Harbour Bridge became a chaotic scene as an estimated 90,000 pro-Palestine protesters, far exceeding the anticipated 10,000, marched to highlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, according to New South Wales (NSW) Police. The massive turnout prompted the closure of the bridge from 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM, disrupting traffic and public transport, per ABC News. NSW Police Acting Deputy Commissioner Peter McKenna described the situation as “perilous,” noting to 9News that the risk of a crowd crush at the northern end forced police to redirect protesters back to the Central Business District (CBD) via geo-targeted alerts, averting a potential tragedy.

The Palestine Action Group (PAG), which organized the March for Humanity, claimed up to 300,000 attended, calling it a “monumental” success, per The Guardian. PAG spokesperson Amal Naser criticized NSW Police to ABC News, arguing they wasted eight days fighting the march in court instead of planning for safety, a move that fueled the high turnout after the NSW Supreme Court authorized the event on August 2. The march, backed by figures like Julian Assange and former NSW Premier Bob Carr, saw chants of “Free Palestine” and demands for a ceasefire, per The Sydney Morning Herald.

NSW Premier Chris Minns, from the Australian Labor Party (ALP), had opposed the march, warning of chaos, per ABC News. Opposition Leader Mark Speakman echoed concerns to The Guardian, arguing the bridge’s takeover set a dangerous precedent. Critics, including Liberal MP Julian Leeser, called the protest divisive, emphasizing the bridge’s role as a symbol of unity, per The Sydney Morning Herald. NSW Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Adam Johnson, with 35 years of experience, told 9News the situation was the most perilous he had encountered, highlighting the strain on resources.

Despite no injuries or arrests, the event exposed tensions over public safety and protest rights. The Opposition demanded better coordination, citing the 2022 anti-protest laws allowing fines up to $22,000 for road blockages, per The Guardian. As Sydney recovers, questions linger about the ALP’s handling of large-scale demonstrations.