Pro-Palestine protest to set up at University of Adelaide
A pro-Palestine student group plans to set up a campsite at the University of Adelaide today to protest Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza, following similar protests which have thrown some US campuses into turmoil.
Pro-Palestinian student activists will set up a camp at the University of Adelaide, such as this one at the University of California Berkeley. Photo: EPA / John G. Mabanglo
The Students for Palestine activist group will set up a Gaza Solidarity Encampment at the western side of the University of Adelaide’s Hub today following a planned rally at 1pm.
The activist group is demanding that the university disclose all ties with weapons companies and divest from them.
Israel’s war in Gaza started after thousands of Hamas militants burst across the Israeli border, killing some 1200 people and taking around 250 hostages on October 7, 2023.
According to Gaza’s health authorities, the conflict has so far killed over 34,000 Palestinians, displaced most of the enclave’s population of 2.3 million and left much of the housing and infrastructure in ruins.
El Hall, who is involved in the Students for Palestine group, said that the camp would be set up in solidarity with Palestinians and student protestors in the United States.
“I think it’s pretty clear cut with over 34,000 dead, 14,000 of which are children, and that number keeps growing every day,” they said.
“We want to make sure that this is heard loud and clear and that our demands are met.”
The group said it did not know how many people would take part in the Adelaide protest but it would stay as long as needed.
Students for Palestine also held a pro-Palestine protest in Rundle Mall. Photo: supplied
Similar camps have been set up in the US and the universities of Sydney, Melbourne and Queensland, and the Australian National University in Canberra.
The protests in the US have led to a swift crackdown by university administrators and local authorities, as well as pro-Israel counter-protests.
The University of Adelaide said that it supported lawful freedom of expression and peaceful protest.
“Given our commitment to open dialogue, it is expected that the challenging issues facing the broader community may also emerge on our campuses,” a spokesperson said today.
The university would also uphold “the physical safety and amenity of our campuses for all students and staff”.
“The university takes the welfare and physical safety of our community very seriously and will not tolerate behaviour or conduct that is unlawful or affects the fulfilment of our duty to foster the wellbeing of staff and students,” the spokesperson said.
“Universities hold a privileged position within society as a place of critical thinking and respectful debate.
“Those who choose to express their views on campus through peaceful protest must also uphold the rights of our staff, students and visitors to a safe and respectful environment.”
