Hundreds of students across Australia have walked out of classrooms and taken to the streets, calling for urgent action on Israel. From university campuses to major city intersections, young Australians are making their voices heard in one of the largest student-led demonstrations the country has seen in recent months.
The nationwide protests, which took place on Thursday afternoon, were part of a coordinated strike involving students from high schools and universities. Their message was clear — they are demanding that the Australian government impose sanctions on Israel and that universities cut all ties with weapons manufacturing companies.
Students Walk Out in Solidarity With Gaza
Students in Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Wollongong gathered in large numbers to express their support for Palestinians and protest against the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
In Melbourne, students from the University of Melbourne, RMIT, Monash, and Swinburne University gathered outside the State Library. They marched to the intersection of Swanston and Flinders Streets, where they held a sit-in protest. Greens MP Gabrielle de Vietri joined the demonstrators in Melbourne to show support. Police attempted to clear the road and removed protesters who refused to move. Five students were arrested and are expected to be charged.
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In Sydney, hundreds of students marched from Town Hall to the NSW Labor Party headquarters. Students from the University of Sydney, University of NSW, Macquarie University, Western Sydney University, and several high schools participated. Deputy Greens leader Mehreen Faruqi attended the protest and stood with the students as they called for stronger government action.
Protesters Call for Sanctions and University Accountability
A major demand from the protesting students was for the Australian government to place sanctions on Israel in response to what they described as “mass starvation” in Gaza. They also called on their universities to cut partnerships with weapons companies that supply arms used in the conflict.
The National Union of Students (NUS) and the National Tertiary Education Union backed the protests. NUS released a statement demanding that all Australian universities end any and all connections with weapons manufacturers.
Some universities have already taken steps in response to past student pressure. Last year, the Australian National University said it would no longer invest in companies that make controversial weapons. Similarly, the University of Melbourne promised to clarify its research links following a student encampment that raised concerns about military-related projects.
Despite these actions, protesters say more needs to be done to ensure that educational institutions are not contributing to war and conflict through partnerships or investments.
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Growing Concerns Over Gaza Humanitarian Crisis
The protests come amid rising global concern about conditions in Gaza. According to local health officials in Gaza, nearly 200 people — about half of them children — have died from starvation since the conflict escalated.
Following a large rally involving 90,000 people on Sydney’s Harbour Bridge last weekend, the Australian federal government announced an extra $20 million in humanitarian aid for Gaza. It also urged Israel to allow full and immediate access for aid organisations.
However, Israeli authorities have denied reports of starvation. Amir Meron, Israel’s deputy chief of mission in Canberra, stated last week: “We don’t recognise any famine or any starvation in the Gaza Strip.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also said: “There is no policy of starvation in Gaza, and there is no starvation in Gaza.”
Meanwhile, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is currently reviewing a case brought by South Africa. The case alleges that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. A decision has not yet been reached.
Back in Australia, students say they will keep pushing for change. They believe it is their responsibility to stand up for human rights and demand that both the government and universities act with urgency.
