Protests against Israel’s war in Gaza have spread to Australian universities, with hundreds of people rallying at the University of Sydney to demand divestment from companies with ties to Israel. Inspired by similar movements in the U.S., pro-Palestinian activists set up an encampment outside the main hall of the university, joining similar camps in Melbourne, Canberra, and other cities across Australia.
Unlike the U.S., where police have forcibly removed protesters, the Australian protests have been peaceful with minimal police presence. The protesters at the University of Sydney called for divestment from companies linked to Israel, echoing demands from students in other countries like the U.S., Canada, and France.
Among the crowd of more than 300 protesters was Matt, 39, who attended with his two-year-old son to show solidarity with the Palestinian cause. He emphasized the importance of raising awareness and taking action against Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Meanwhile, a separate gathering under Australian and Israeli flags expressed concerns about the impact of the pro-Palestinian protests on Jewish students and staff, with some feeling unsafe on campus. The university’s vice chancellor, Mark Scott, allowed the pro-Palestinian encampment to remain on campus due to the peaceful nature of the protests.
Australia, traditionally a strong ally of Israel, has become more critical of its actions in Gaza, especially after an Australian aid worker was killed in an Israeli attack. Pro-Palestinian protesters criticized the government for not doing enough to promote peace and chanted against Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his administration.