Pro Palestine rally to close Sea Cliff Bridge on Sunday

Police have approved a protest march and rally on Sunday, 7 December that is expected to close the popular Sea Cliff Bridge north of Wollongong for two hours.

The organisers, Wollongong’s Friends of Palestine, hope to attract many hundreds of people to the rally, which they expect will start at 1pm on Sunday at Coalcliff’s Leeder Park.

One of the organisers, Megan Guy, said she received a Form One approval from NSW Police on Monday, allowing the protest to march across the bridge on Lawrence Hargrave Drive, closing the road for no more than two hours.

She said the Illawarra protest is part of a global movement showing support for the people of Gaza.

“Last weekend hundreds of thousands of people from Europe to Latin America marched in solidarity with the people of Palestine,” Megan said.

“Israel has violated the so called ceasefire 591 times since it began in October killing 356 Palestinians.”

She is expecting a big response to Sunday’s rally as part of an Australia-wide day of protest.

“We want an end to the genocide, starvation and denial of self-determination for the Palestinian people.”

The rally is expected to wrap up at Rube Hargrave Park in Clifton.

In a statement, NSW Police confirmed the protest was authorised for Sunday.

"In response to the planned protest, a police operation will be conducted to allow for the mobile assembly, with the aim of keeping the public safe and limiting interruptions where possible," NSW Police said.

"As part of the operation, officers attached to Wollongong Police District will be assisted by Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and other specialist commands.

"The NSW Police Force recognises and supports the rights of individuals and groups to exercise their rights of free speech and peaceful assembly; however, the first priority for NSW Police is always the safety and security of the wider community.

"Police will not tolerate unlawful behaviour or any actions that risk the safety of others and will not hesitate to take appropriate action against anyone who commits a criminal offence."