Third Anniversary of Gaza War: Protests Across Australian Cities Demand Canberra End Military and Diplomatic Support for Israel

As the Gaza war enters its third year, according to ABC News, the "Global Day of Action for Gaza" unfolded simultaneously across multiple Australian state capitals on October 11, with thousands of protesters taking to the streets to direct pressure at Canberra's military and foreign policy.

In Sydney, thousands gathered first in Hyde Park before marching toward the central business district. A year ago, the Sydney Harbour Bridge had been blanketed in Palestinian flags; Yasmine Johnson of "Jews Against the Occupation" told the crowd: "Our government is still allowing weapons to go to Israel. We're here to say: 'We will not accept this.'"

The protesters' core demands centered on three points: an immediate halt to weapons trade with Israel, the imposition of targeted sanctions, and the cutting of ties with Israeli academic institutions until Israel complies with international law. At the Newcastle rally in Civic Park, Dr. Niko Leka of the Palestinian Action Group Muloobinba said: "The Australian government must face up to the demands of international law — no more arms trade with Israel, no more investment, and sever ties with Israeli universities."

The protesters' accusations stand in direct conflict with Australia's official public statements. In a statement last August, the Australian Department of Defence said: "Since the outbreak of this round of Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Australia has not provided weapons or ammunition to Israel, nor has it done so in the past five years at least." The protesters, however, insisted that Australia was still tacitly allowing weapons components to reach Israel through third countries, and was maintaining support through intelligence and financial channels.

At the same Sydney rally, participant Belle Douaihy said: "We are here because we are disgusted by our own government — which still supports Israel's genocidal regime with intelligence, money and weapons. Free Palestine, and free the whole world."

In Adelaide, around one thousand people gathered on the steps of the South Australian Parliament, listening to speeches, beating hand drums and chanting peace slogans, until a thunderstorm forced evacuation. Melina Healey of the rally told ABC News: "Everyone came because Gaza has endured three years of intense bombardment — enough, really enough."

Seventy-five-year-old Antoinette Riley from the Marrickville Peace Group directed her criticism squarely at her own government: "I was hospitalized a year ago. If I were in Gaza, I'd be dead. Our government is deeply disappointing. Truly shameful. Truly shameful."

A female protester who declined to be named spoke directly to Prime Minister Albanese: "Stand up straight, do the right thing, be a person with a humane position, stop supporting Israel, stop manufacturing parts for bombers. Anthony, you represent your constituents, and this is what they want." A male protester added that the federal government "needs to find its conscience," urging them to "please look deep in your hearts, and truly try to find your conscience."

In the Tasmanian capital of Hobart, hundreds marched along the waterfront esplanade, waving Palestinian flags and chanting "the West Bank will be liberated," before arriving at the Tasmanian Parliament. Nala Mansell of the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre and Feras Shaheen of the Tasmanian Palestinian Advocacy Network each addressed the crowd, with the latter urging protesters to expand their actions: "What more can be done in each of your respective spheres... There is still much to be done."

Lynn Benn, a member of the environmental group "Knitting Nannas" and a Hunter Valley resident, said in Newcastle: "Food supplies are restricted, critical medical supplies are restricted, and there are thousands of children inside. This situation has persisted for three years and is extremely dire. Standing by and letting it happen is outrageous — that is why we are here."

According to Gaza's health authorities, the current round of conflict has resulted in the deaths of more than 74,000 Palestinians, with over 175,000 injured; the United Nations estimates that approximately 1.9 million people have been internally displaced within Gaza. These figures have long been questioned by Israel, and this report has not independently verified the statistical methodology. The Hamas attack of October 7, 2023, killed around 1,200 people on the Israeli side and saw approximately 250 people taken hostage.

It should be noted that the International Court of Justice has to date not made a legal determination of genocide with respect to Israeli actions in Gaza — a charge that Israel firmly denies. Multiple protesters' characterization of Israeli actions as "genocide" remains a political statement rather than a judicial conclusion.

The flag-draped Sydney Harbour Bridge scene of a year ago has since evolved into a cross-city, regularly mobilized protest network; the demands have also expanded from ceasefire calls to encompass sanctions, arms embargoes and academic disentanglement. Protesters are directing pressure squarely at the Albanese government, demanding that Canberra sever ties with Israel across the military, diplomatic and academic dimensions.