More than 40,000 Sydneysiders could be thrown into “chaos” if a pro-Palestine protest across the Harbour Bridge is allowed to go ahead this weekend.

The Palestine Action Group and NSW Police are awaiting a decision from the Supreme Court today on whether 10,000 protesters will be allowed to walk on the landmark to highlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza on Sunday.

Premier Chris Minns and NSW Police are hoping the court blocks the protest at the hearing at 12.30pm, with authorities saying they were not given enough notice to plan a multi-agency response and that the protest poses a risk to the public and officers.

Acting Police Commissioner Peter Thurtell told reporters more than 40,000 vehicles would be affected across the bridge if the protest proceeds.

“It will be in excess of six hours,” he said.

“There’s a complete operation that requires a multi-agency response, including Transport of NSW, that has to redivert these vehicles away, that includes probably foot traffic as well.

“There’s lots of things that need to go into place for us to facilitate what the organisers say is a one-hour operation. There’s no way this is a one-hour operation for police.”

Minns said he recognises thousands of people want to protest and hopes to negotiate with organisers for an alternative route not on the city’s “central artery”.

“The last thing we want, and the last thing police want, is chaos in Sydney streets,” he said.

“We recognise people want to protest. We’re hoping, depending on the outcome of the court case this afternoon, common sense can prevail.” 

There were 15 NSW MPs, including Sue Higginson, Jenny Leong and Amanda Cohn, who signed a statement in support of the march.

Minns said he would not criticise those MPs but said he would expect everyone in NSW to respect the outcome of today’s court decision.

The Palestine Action Group have offered to push back the protest another week to allow police to facilitate the demonstration, but maintains it will oppose police blocking the protest entirely in court.

The organisation has invited protesters to the court today, telling them to show their “support for the unstoppable march for humanity”.

It has also started an online petition to allow them to march across the Harbour Bridge, which has gained more than 7200 signatures at the time of publication.

The landmark has previously been closed to host a march for reconciliation, marathons, World Pride and to allow Hollywood actor Ryan Gosling to shoot part of his film The Fall Guy.

If the protest goes ahead this weekend, it will be the first time pro-Palestine protesters bring their weekly march to the Harbour Bridge in almost two years since the October 7 attacks.

Thurtell said NSW Police have worked with the Palestine Action Group for more than 100 marches since October 7, 2023.

“We haven’t ever stopped negotiating with these organisers,” he said.

“They know we are an organisation that they can trust and that we will facilitate their marches.

“It just won’t be going over the Sydney Harbour Bridge.”