thousands of Australians protested in support of the Palestinian cause on sunday, two weeks after the country announced it would recognize a Palestinian state.
More than 40 protests took place across the country, according to Palestine Action Group, an Australian organisation.
The group said around 350,000 people attended rallies nationwide,even though police have estimated lower numbers in some cities.
Organiser Josh Lees in Sydney said the protesters where marching to “demand an end to this genocide in Gaza and to demand that our government sanction Israel”.
Women pray during the protests on 24 August. Pic: Reuters
Netanyahu Escalates Attacks on Australian Prime Minister Over Palestine Recognition
Recent diplomatic tensions have escalated as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has intensified his personal criticism of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese following Australia’s decision to formally recognise a Palestinian state. The situation has been described as creating “an unsafe surroundings and shouldn’t be happening” by observers.
In the past week, Netanyahu has launched a series of increasingly pointed attacks against Albanese. On Wednesday, he stated, “I think his record is forever tarnished by the weakness that he showed in the face of [these] Hamas terrorist monsters,” according to reporting by Sky news Australia.He previously labeled Albanese as “a weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia’s Jews.”
Albanese responded to the criticism with restraint, stating he did not “take these things personally” and affirmed his commitment to treating leaders of other countries with respect.
The Australian government’s decision to recognize the State of Palestine was formalized on August 11th and is set to take effect in September.This move followed widespread demonstrations across Australia, including a large march over Sydney’s Harbour Bridge, demonstrating important public support for Palestine. According to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and trade, the recognition of Palestine is seen as a step towards achieving a just and lasting peace in the region through a two-state solution.https://www.dfat.gov.au/news/media-releases/australia-recognises-state-palestine
The recognition does not alter australia’s relationship with Israel, which remains strong. However, it reflects a growing international movement towards recognizing Palestinian statehood. As of August 24,2025,over 140 UN member states recognize the State of Palestine. https://www.un.org/palestine/about-state-palestine