More than 100,000 people marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge on August 3 to protest the Gaza war. Among the crowd, a protester climbed above the masses, waving a black flag associated with Al Qaeda and the Islamic State (IS). This image was shared online by Wisam Haddad, a controversial cleric known for provoking media attention. In his post, Haddad declared, "The only flag that counts!" He has been identified as a spiritual leader of a pro-IS network in Australia.

The presence of the flag at the protest drew criticism from Israeli politicians and pro-Israel advocates, who suggested that the Palestinian statehood movement is being used as a cover for extremist ideologies. Haddad's intentions appear to diverge from advocating for a Palestinian state. An investigation revealed that he collaborates with convicted terrorists to exploit the pro-Palestinian movement, aiming to radicalize young Australians affected by the ongoing conflict.

The protest featured Youssef Uweinat, 27, a convicted IS youth recruiter who was released from prison less than two years ago. Uweinat, also known as Abu Musa al-Maqdisi, had previously served nearly four years for grooming minors to commit attacks. He was part of an IS cell that was infiltrated by an intelligence agency informant. Video footage from the protest shows Uweinat alongside Haddad, highlighting their connection.

Australian authorities have monitored Haddad for over two decades but have not charged him with terrorism-related offenses. He has been linked to numerous individuals who have recruited young people for extremist causes. Uweinat's re-emergence and his association with Haddad raise concerns about the potential for renewed radicalization among youth.

The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) has warned that IS has regained capabilities, increasing the likelihood of terrorist attacks. In the past 18 months, IS has been involved in or inspired attacks in Australia, the United States, and Russia, while European authorities have disrupted several plots.

Haddad recently faced legal challenges, having been found in violation of the Racial Discrimination Act due to antisemitic remarks regarding the Gaza conflict. New South Wales Police are currently seeking legal advice on whether to charge protesters who displayed the Shahada flags, which are also recognized as a common Islamic symbol. Criminalizing their display could exacerbate divisions within the community.

Uweinat's actions on the Harbour Bridge may have been anticipated by investigators who previously arrested him for circulating doctored images of the IS flag at various Australian landmarks. He had been actively recruiting young people to join IS, using graphic propaganda to influence minors.

Upon his release, Uweinat claimed to have renounced IS and expressed a desire to help young Australians avoid extremist ideologies. However, he quickly reconnected with Haddad and joined his street-preaching group, The Dawah Van, which has faced scrutiny for its radicalization efforts.

Video evidence from the protest shows Uweinat confronting another demonstrator and attempting to seize a flag sacred to the Shiite community, which IS has historically targeted. Haddad defended this confrontation as an act of faith, while Uweinat claimed his display of the Shahada flag was not in support of IS.

Haddad's rhetoric dismisses nationalism and promotes a vision of an Islamic solution for Palestine, rejecting the idea of a Palestinian state. He has urged his followers to reject established Muslim leaders, blaming them for the ongoing conflict in Gaza. His influence appears to be growing, as he continues to attract followers and collaborate with other known extremists.

The situation poses a significant challenge for Australian authorities, who are tasked with monitoring and managing the risks associated with radicalization and extremism in the community.