Sydney Harbour Bridge Protest, Pro-Palestine Rally in Melbourne, NSW Flood Watch

The weekend has brought a historic and impactful day of protests across two of Australia's major cities, alongside urgent weather alerts and breaking news that have captured national attention. Tens of thousands of people are taking to the streets in Sydney and Melbourne, advocating for peace amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, while severe weather conditions disrupt life on the East Coast. This comprehensive report covers the key developments, from the massive pro-Palestine demonstrations to severe flooding and international tensions, brought to you by 7NEWS Australia.

Table of Contents

• Historic Protests in Sydney and Melbourne
• Severe Weather and Flood Alerts on the East Coast
• Breaking News: Tragic Crash and International Conflict Updates
• Health Alert: Severe Flu Season in New South Wales
• Unusual Traffic Incident in the United States
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Historic Protests in Sydney and Melbourne

Today marks an unprecedented day of public demonstration as tens of thousands of protesters rally for an end to the war in Gaza. Sydney's iconic Harbour Bridge will be completely closed to traffic, a significant move reflecting the scale and gravity of the protest.

Sydney Harbour Bridge March

The protest in Sydney, authorised by a Supreme Court ruling, will see demonstrators march from Land Park on the south side, across the Harbour Bridge, and finish at Bradfield Park on the northern side.

Justice Belinda Rigg's decision to greenlight the protest came after police initially rejected the application, citing concerns over traffic management and potential crowd safety risks. In her ruling, Justice Rigg acknowledged "the horror and urgency of the situation in Gaza demanded an extraordinary response," effectively prioritising the right to peaceful protest.

Authorities are mobilising extensively, with police reinforcements drawn from across the metropolitan area to manage the event. Transport for New South Wales has indicated that they expect the bridge to reopen by 4 PM; however, with up to 50,000 people expected, disruptions could extend into the evening.

Melbourne’s Pro-Palestine Rally and Bridge Blockade

Meanwhile, Melbourne is experiencing a parallel protest, with activists planning to block the King Street Bridge, a critical north-south thoroughfare through the city. The action is intended as a show of solidarity with Sydney’s protesters but raises concerns about emergency access, as the bridge is a key route for emergency services.

Organisers have assured that the protest will be peaceful and emergency vehicles will be allowed through. Police, however, remain vigilant, having repeatedly attempted to negotiate changes to the protest plans without success. They also caution about a smaller faction within the group that intelligence suggests may engage in criminal activity.

The Melbourne march will commence at 12 PM at the State Library, proceeding along Swanston Street to Flinders Street Station and then to King Street Bridge. Hundreds of police officers have been redeployed across the city, ready to intervene if the bridge is blocked.

Severe Weather and Flood Alerts on the East Coast

As the protests unfold, severe weather is wreaking havoc across New South Wales and Queensland. Rolling storms and rising rivers have triggered urgent rescue missions, including a search for a woman swept away by floodwaters north of Cessnock.

The region has experienced hundreds of millimetres of rain within 24 hours, causing swollen rivers and significant flooding. A 40-year-old man was rescued after being carried off by a torrent and getting stuck in a tree, highlighting the dangers residents currently face.

Parts of the Northern Tablelands have also been hit with the heaviest snowfall in decades, causing a rare whiteout in some areas.

Breaking News: Tragic Crash and International Conflict Updates

In Brisbane, a suspected high-speed crash at Northgate resulted in the death of a passenger in his twenties. The driver survived with non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital.

Internationally, tensions escalate as Ukraine intensifies its military strikes against Russian targets. Overnight, a major oil refinery and a nearby military airfield in Russia were hit in a large-scale drone attack. This follows the United States' decision to move nuclear submarines closer to Russia amid warnings from former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev about potential nuclear threats.

US correspondent Rob Scott reports growing frustration from former President Donald Trump towards Vladimir Putin's reluctance to agree to a ceasefire. Trump has set an August 8 deadline for peace or faces new sanctions, underscoring the fragile and volatile nature of the conflict.

Health Alert: Severe Flu Season in New South Wales

Back on the home front, New South Wales doctors warn that many people skipping their annual flu vaccination are contributing to overcrowded emergency departments. With over 92,000 cases reported this year, Western Sydney is one of the worst-hit areas, and experts describe this year's flu strain as particularly severe.

Unusual Traffic Incident in the United States

Adding a lighter note, an unusual traffic disruption occurred on a Pennsylvania interstate when a semi-trailer lost its cargo of thousands of frozen sausages. The slippery mess caused traffic to halt as crews worked to clean up the road, highlighting the unexpected challenges drivers can face.

Conclusion

Today's events highlight a nation deeply engaged with both local and international issues. From the massive pro-Palestine protests shutting down key bridges in Sydney and Melbourne, to severe weather emergencies, and critical updates on global conflicts, Australians are witnessing a day of significant upheaval and solidarity.

As these stories continue to develop, it remains crucial for the public to stay informed, heed safety warnings, and participate peacefully in civic discourse.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is the Sydney Harbour Bridge closed today?

The bridge is closed to accommodate a large pro-Palestine protest march. Tens of thousands are expected to march from Land Park across the bridge to Bradfield Park, advocating for an end to the war in Gaza.

What are the concerns regarding the Melbourne protest?

Protesters plan to block the King Street Bridge, a vital route for emergency services. Police are concerned about potential disruptions and have intelligence about a small group possibly engaging in criminal activity.

What severe weather warnings are in place for NSW and Queensland?

Heavy rain has caused flooding and swollen rivers, with urgent rescue operations underway. The Northern Tablelands have experienced their heaviest snowfall in decades, leading to whiteout conditions.

What recent developments have occurred in the Russia-Ukraine conflict?

Ukraine launched a major drone attack on a Russian oil refinery and military airfield. The US has moved nuclear submarines closer to Russia amid escalating tensions and threats of nuclear retaliation.

How is the flu season impacting New South Wales?

The state is experiencing a severe flu season, with over 92,000 cases reported. Health experts urge people to get vaccinated to reduce strain on emergency departments.