Thousands of Australians participated in nationwide rallies supporting Palestinians and calling for the protection of civilians in Gaza. These demonstrations occurred two days after a ceasefire was implemented and coincided with the second anniversary of the October 7 terrorist attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the abduction of around 250 others. Currently, it is believed that 48 Israeli hostages remain in Gaza, with 20 of them thought to be alive and expected to be released under the ceasefire agreement.

According to Gazan health authorities, Israel's military response has led to the deaths of over 67,000 Palestinians, displacing nearly the entire population and causing widespread devastation in the region. In Sydney, the rally attracted an estimated 8,000 participants, despite police estimates being lower than the organizers' expectations of 40,000. The march was restricted from passing the Opera House due to a prohibition order.

Josh Lees, a spokesperson for the Palestinian Action Group, stated that organizers believed more than 10,000 people attended the Sydney rally. Activists who attempted to breach Israel's naval blockade of Gaza last week shared their experiences while detained in Israel. Juliet Lamont, one of the activists, recounted her experience, saying, "At night-time we could hear the crying of some of those kids in the prison that we were in... The eyes of the world were on us, but the eyes of the world are not on Palestinians, and they need to be."

In addition to Sydney, smaller gatherings took place in other regions. About 220 people participated in a silent vigil at Coffs Harbour, while 120 attended a rally in Bega. Aroub Lahham, a Palestinian-Australian resident of Eurobodalla, expressed her gratitude for the support, stating, "Having people around you that support the same issues... provides that community feeling that I long for here on the south-east coast."

In Melbourne, demonstrators marched a five-kilometer route from the central business district to the U.S. Consulate, chanting slogans and waving Palestinian flags. Mai Saif, a participant, emphasized the need for the ceasefire to be a starting point for rebuilding Gaza and empowering Palestinians. "The ceasefire is just the beginning. The reality is, Gaza is completely destroyed... these conditions have not stopped," she said.

In Brisbane, around 1,000 people attended a rally, which was lower than the expected turnout of 2,000. Participants expressed their desire for international recognition of Palestine and accountability for past atrocities. Katrina Barben, a rally attendee, remarked, "Ceasefire is a good thing... but it's not a promise that everything's going to be OK."

In Canberra, over 300 people gathered, with Diana Abdel-Rahman from the Palestine Action Group stating, "We know this ceasefire is only the beginning. Until there is a liberated Palestine, this movement is only starting."

In Hobart, protesters braved wet conditions to gather at the waterfront before marching to Parliament Lawns. Stuart Baird, whose wife Madeleine Habib was detained by Israel after the Freedom Flotilla was intercepted, shared his anxiety with the crowd. "It's really quite terrifying to be the partner of somebody who has been abducted at sea," he said, reflecting on the uncertainty surrounding her situation.

As the rallies unfolded across the country, thousands from Sydney's Jewish community prepared for an official commemoration of the October 7 attacks, which will include prayers and a moment of silence.