Police are still waiting for a formal complaint of trespass against the pro-Palestinian student encampment
Student activists in Australia have established encampments at major universities to show solidarity with the US movement backing Palestine.
At the University of Melbourne, Victorian Police are monitoring the situation following three days of protests by pro-Palestinian student activists. The activists have set up tents inside the Arts West building, where they continue to camp with deck chairs, masks, and signs advocating for “Free Gaza,” “Zionism is racism,” and “ceasefire now.”
The University’s deputy vice-chancellor, Pip Nicholson, was scheduled to meet with pro-Palestinian protesters on May 17 to address the situation.
In a symbolic gesture, the activists have renamed the building to “Mahmoud’s Hall” in honor of Mahmoud Al Haq, a prospective student who died in Gaza.
Fueled by the US movement, students at universities across Australia have established similar encampments on campus, urging administrators to sever ties with Israel. These “Palestine solidarity encampments” can be found at the University of Sydney, University of Adelaide, University of Queensland, RMIT University, La Trobe University, Australian National University, and University of Wollongong.
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Police Monitoring Situation
Authorities state that they can take action against the encampment if a formal report for trespassing is filed. However, as of now, no such report has been received, according to a Victorian Police spokesperson.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Wesley highlighted the impact of the protests, with over 6,000 students affected by the cancellation of 150 classes in the occupied building.
University Responses
Meanwhile, the University of Queensland (UQ) has requested campers to end their camp promptly. Vice-chancellor, Deborah Terry, mentioned that UQ is in dialogue with the protestors in order to minimize disruptions to key university activities.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Kerrie Parker of Deakin University has also sought the immediate dismantling and removal of the camp, emphasizing the need to maintain a safe environment on campus.
Political Discussion on Palestine’s UN Bid
At a political level, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has questioned Prime Minister Anthony Albanese about supporting Palestine’s U.N. membership bid. Australia’s affirmative vote for a U.N. resolution in favor of Palestine’s membership has drawn attention and discussion.
Mr. Albanese defended the government’s stance, emphasizing the resolution’s alignment with a two-state solution and peace efforts. The government’s decision differed from that of some allies, including the United States and Israel.
AAP contributed to this report.
