**Supreme Court's decision to allow the protest sparks significant public discourse on Palestine and public safety.**
**Sydney Harbour Bridge Hosts Pro-Palestine March Amid Torrential Rain**

**Sydney Harbour Bridge Hosts Pro-Palestine March Amid Torrential Rain**
**Thousands Gather in Historic March for Humanity, Despite Police Concerns**
A planned protest across the Sydney Harbour Bridge has taken place amid heavy rainfall, marking a significant moment in activism regarding the situation in Gaza. Organised by the Palestine Action Group, the "March for Humanity" attracted thousands of participants, including notable figures like Julian Assange, federal MP Ed Husic, and former NSW Premier Bob Carr.
Approved just one day prior by the NSW Supreme Court, this march was met with concerns from law enforcement about crowd control and public safety. Two hours into the event, attendees received a text from NSW Police requesting them to cease movement toward the north side of the bridge and to turn back in an organised fashion. Transport for NSW advised motorists to avoid the city, anticipating major disruptions due to the protest.
Initially, the application to hold the march was rejected by police due to timing and safety issues. However, with mounting public support, the Supreme Court ultimately ruled in favour of the protest, asserting that the urgent humanitarian concerns in Gaza warranted the march's occurrence. Justice Belinda Rigg acknowledged the safety risks posed but concluded that prohibiting the assembly would not significantly enhance public safety.
As a result of this judicial decision, vendors and protesters alike were shielded by the Summary Offences Act, safeguarding them from legal repercussions tied to public assembly. The decision prompted a range of reactions from various community groups, including disappointment from the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies.
With global pressure on Australia to formally recognise Palestinian statehood, this march marks both a key moment for activists and a challenging conversation for policymakers. As the situation evolves, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the necessity for a stable environment for Israel before considering recognition of Palestine, highlighting the complex geopolitics at play.