Tens of thousands in Australia hold rally in support of Palestinians

By Irmak Akcan

Tens of thousands of people on Sunday gathered in Australia in support of Palestinians and against Israel's ongoing attacks on Gaza.

Protesters gathered in front of the State Library of Victoria in Melbourne before marching toward parliament, according to ABC News.

Police said that approximately 45,000 people attended the rally that called for an end to the siege in Gaza and for a cease-fire.

Speakers at the protest called the Israeli attacks in Gaza "ethnic cleansing" and condemned the bombing of hospitals.

Another rally attended by thousands of people was held in the city of Brisbane, Queensland.

Meanwhile, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and reiterated the government’s call for a “humanitarian pause” and “the next step towards a cease-fire.”