Overview

• Coordinated protests on 24 August spanned more than 40 cities and towns, with large gatherings reported in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
• Organisers put national attendance at roughly 300,000–350,000 and claimed 50,000 in Brisbane, while police estimated about 10,000 there and around 10,000 in Sydney and Melbourne.
• Marchers demanded sanctions on Israel and an end to Australia’s arms trade, with support from more than 250 unions and community organisations.
• A Queensland magistrate blocked a Story Bridge march on safety grounds, leading Brisbane organisers to take an agreed alternative route over Victoria Bridge.
• The demonstrations followed Australia’s recognition of Palestinian statehood and a week of public attacks on Anthony Albanese by Benjamin Netanyahu, with organisers flagging further national actions including a 5 October protest.