Last weekend, a significant demonstration took place in Australia, drawing an estimated 100,000 participants to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The event, dubbed the "March for Humanity," aimed to express solidarity with the people of Gaza amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has persisted for nearly two years.

The march featured a mix of Palestinian flags and controversial symbols, including the black flag of ISIS. A portrait of Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was also displayed prominently. In a separate rally in Melbourne, an Australian flag was set ablaze, further highlighting the tensions surrounding the event.

In the wake of these demonstrations, a synagogue in Victoria, British Columbia, was vandalized with antisemitic graffiti that read, "Jews are evil ... Palestinians will get their revenge against you child-killing Jew monsters." This incident follows a previous rally in Vancouver where the Canadian flag was burned, accompanied by chants calling for the destruction of Canada.

While not all supporters of Gaza align with extremist views, many have shown a willingness to march alongside those who do. The protests have often framed Western nations as extensions of colonialism, with calls for their dismantling. Nasser Mashni, an organizer of the anti-Israel movement, referred to the burning of the Australian flag as merely a "piece of silk," reflecting a dismissive attitude toward national symbols.

The protests have also revealed a racial dimension, with individuals labeled as "settlers" facing dehumanizing rhetoric. This trend has been observed in various decolonial protests across Australia and Canada.

Progressive political parties in the West have attempted to engage with these movements, increasing pressure on Israel to reduce military actions. Recently, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada would recognize a Palestinian state in September, contingent upon the Palestinian Authority committing to elections, which have not occurred in 20 years, and excluding Hamas from the electoral process.

Despite potential recognition of a Palestinian state, the anti-Israel sentiment and pro-Hamas elements are expected to persist. The influence of these groups has been growing for decades, and they are unlikely to relinquish their political power easily. In the UK, the Labour government has struggled to manage the anti-Israel faction within its ranks, while in the U.S., dissatisfaction among Arab-American voters has led to political shifts, including a notable impact on the Democratic Party's standing in Michigan.

In New York City, socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani successfully leveraged anti-Israel sentiment to defeat the former governor, showcasing the ongoing political ramifications of these movements.