**Title: Pro-Palestinian Protests Continue in Sydney Despite Ceasefire**

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators in Sydney have vowed to continue their protests, even with a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict potentially leading to the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. The latest rally took place on Sunday afternoon in Hyde Park, where a significant police presence was established to manage the crowd and prevent protesters from marching toward the Sydney Opera House.

The New South Wales (NSW) Supreme Court had previously blocked the protesters from accessing the Opera House due to safety concerns, including the risk of crowd crush. Instead, the march was rerouted from Hyde Park to Belmore Park, near Central Station. Organizers had accepted this alternative route after discussions with police.

Josh Lees, an organizer with the Palestine Action Group, stated that the rally would not be the last. He expressed skepticism about the ceasefire, saying, "[The latest ceasefire is] certainly not going to deliver peace to the Palestinians, let alone a life for the Palestinians because it’s a plan for ongoing occupation."

Amal Naser, another organizer, addressed the crowd, expressing disappointment over the court's decision to restrict their route but emphasized the determination of the protesters. "But that didn’t stop us," she said, highlighting the turnout despite the limitations.

The rally featured speakers, including Australians who had recently returned from the Middle East after being detained by Israeli authorities during a Gaza-bound flotilla. Police maintained a strong presence around the Opera House, including security checkpoints and patrol boats in the harbor. The Opera House stairs were closed to the public, and a small flotilla of boats displaying Israeli and Australian flags passed by the venue.

In a related event, members of Sydney's Jewish community gathered later in the evening to commemorate the two-year anniversary of the October 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel. Premier Chris Minns had warned that demonstrators defying the court order could face legal consequences, including contempt of court.

The alternative route for the pro-Palestinian march caused temporary road closures and disruptions to light rail services in the central business district. Police Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna stated that authorities were prepared for the large crowd and urged protesters to heed police instructions.

The Palestine Action Group had anticipated up to 40,000 participants for the protest, despite criticism from political figures like Shadow Attorney-General Julian Leeser, who argued that the protests could undermine peace efforts in the region. He questioned the motives behind the protests, suggesting that demonstrators should focus on encouraging dialogue for peace rather than continuing to protest.

As the situation evolves, the Palestine Action Group remains committed to advocating for Palestinian rights, signaling that future demonstrations are likely to occur.