Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters took to the streets across Australia on Sunday, demanding a permanent cease-fire in the Middle East. Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney were among the cities where rallies were held, with Brisbane witnessing one of the largest protests in the city since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began a year ago.
Protesters called on the Australian government to sanction Israel and halt the supply of weapons for the war. The demonstration in Brisbane, led by Justice for Palestine Magan-djin representative Omar Ashour, emphasized the growing support for the Palestinian cause in Australia.
Margie Pestorius, another protester, urged immediate action from the government to prevent further escalation of the conflict. Despite calls for a cease-fire by Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Israel continues its airstrikes in Lebanon and Gaza, leading to civilian casualties and displacements.
The peaceful protest in Brisbane highlighted the urgency for international intervention to end the violence in the Middle East and prevent a larger regional conflict.