Motorcycle convey gathers in Sydney’s southwest for Gaza protest

A convoy of protesters will make its way through Sydney’s south after 7000 people attended duelling pro-Israel, Palestine rallies.

A convoy of motorcyclists have gathered in Sydney’s west to show support for Palestinians in Gaza, as police return home after duelling protests in the city’s CBD.

Dozens of protesters waving Palestinian flags descended on the Bankstown McDonalds shortly before 5pm on Sunday, including families and small children.

The convoy will ride to Brighton Le Sands and Ramsgate in Sydney’s south, marking the end to a day of protest for both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel groups in Sydney.

A convoy of motorcyclists and cars gathered in support of Palestinians in Gaza on Sunday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Justin Lloyd.

The convoy met at Bankstown Bunnings. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Justin Lloyd.

The group then travelled on to Brighton Le Sands and Ramsgate. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Justin Lloyd.

As many as 7000 people gathered in the city’s CBD for the two separate rallies. A large police presence was deployed, but no arrests or injuries were reported by officers.

Operation Commander Assistant Commissioner Brett Greentree said each group was able to congregate “without any problems” thanks to police operations.

The group included families and small children. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Justin Lloyd.

A girl is pictured wearing a traditional Palestinian dress alongside two women with keffiyehs. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Justin Lloyd.

“Our ongoing relationship with the event organisers ensured the large number of people in attendance protested safely,” Mr Greentree said on Sunday evening.

Specialist police from the Police Transport Command were deployed alongside Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Public Order and Riot Squad.

The NSW Police State Crime unit, Operations Support Group, Mounted Unit, Dog Unit and Polair units were also deployed on Sunday under Operation Shelter.

Protesters have continued calls for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Justin Lloyd.

The convoy followed multiple large-scale protests in Sydney’s CBD. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Justin Lloyd.

Protests have erupted weekly across the country since war broke out between Israel and Hamas on October 7, following an attack by the militant group.

A temporary ceasefire came into effect this week to allow for the transfer of hostages from the Gaza Strip, with pro-Palestinian groups calling for a permanent cessation.

Sunday’s convoy mirrored similar events being held globally, including in the United Kingdom where multiple pro-Palestinian processions were planned for Sunday.

Originally published as Motorcycle convey gathers in Sydney’s southwest for Gaza protest