The NSW premier has opposed calls for a mass pro-Palestinian march across Sydney Harbour Bridge, saying he “cannot allow Sydney to descend into chaos”.<\/p>\n
Palestine Action Group Sydney proposed the march for Sunday, August 3, to address the “extraordinary situation” in Gaza.<\/p>\n
It said it chose the bridge as “Australia’s most iconic symbol” to send a “powerful message to the world”.<\/p>\n
“Thousands of aid trucks remain stranded at crossings outside Gaza, as Israel starves the Palestinian population,” a spokesperson said.<\/p>\n
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Chris Minns says the “unplanned disruption” could lead to public safety concerns.\u00a0 (ABC News: Warwick Ford)<\/p>\n
More than 100 humanitarian agencies have warned the strip was facing mass starvation due to Israeli restrictions on essentials and aid.<\/p>\n
Palestinian health authorities said 133 people had died from starvation in the last week, including 87 children.<\/p>\n
Rallies in support of the Palestinian people have drawn thousands across the country since the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023.<\/p>\n
Israel has denied its actions have caused a starvation crisis, and instead blames Hamas for creating the situation.<\/p>\n
‘Nothing chaotic about people marching for peace’<\/p>\n
Premier Chris Minns said the NSW government could not “support the protest of this scale and nature” on the bridge on a week’s notice.<\/p>\n
“The bridge is one of the most critical pieces of infrastructure in our city \u2014 used every day by thousands of people,” he said.<\/p>\n
“Unplanned disruption risks not only significant inconvenience, but real public safety concerns.<\/p>\n
“We cannot allow Sydney to descend into chaos.”<\/p>\n
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Palestine Action Group Sydney usually meets in Hyde Park in the city’s CBD. (ABC News: Berge Breiland)<\/p>\n
Palestine Action Group Sydney said there was “nothing chaotic about people marching for peace, to stop mass starvation”.<\/p>\n
“If the premier says we need more time to plan such an event, then would he agree to support the ‘March for Humanity’ a week later?<\/p>\n
“We call on NSW authorities to work with us to plan this event and stand on the right side of history.”<\/p>\n
A spokesperson for the group added it had lodged a form with police for its intentions with the “March for Humanity”.<\/p>\n
NSW Police said it was aware of the proposed planned assembly and was “consulting relevant stakeholders”.<\/p>\n
Mr Minns added that the force “were in discussions with organisers about other routes they can take” and were “working to ensure community safety is upheld”.<\/p>\n
‘Plenty’ of alternatives, opposition leader says<\/p>\n
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman acknowledged the situation was tragic but said the bridge “belongs to everyone”.<\/p>\n