The vast Great Court at the University of Queensland has been a central hub for student life at the largest university in the Australian state for a long time. However, it has now become a focal point for two opposing groups, situated about 100 meters (328 feet) apart. One group consists of supporters of Students for Palestine UQ, while the other, smaller cluster features tents with the Israeli flag and others strung between trees. These encampments are part of protest sites at seven universities across Australia, spanning from Melbourne and Sydney in the southeast to Adelaide in the center and Perth along the western coast.
These encampments were set up in solidarity with Palestinians under Israeli siege in Gaza and student protesters in the United States. However, some Jewish groups have criticized them, stating that they are causing unnecessary tension on campus. The country's federal opposition leader has even labeled them as "racist" and "antisemitic." Unlike in the United States, where violent clashes have occurred, Australia has not seen such incidents at universities, but there are concerns among some students that events could escalate in that direction.
Similar pro-Palestinian encampments have been established by students at some universities in the United Kingdom. In Paris, pro-Palestinian protests have also erupted at universities. At the pro-Israel "Camp Shalom" at UQ in Brisbane, Jewish students have expressed feeling on edge after strangers spat on a sign attached to a tree that reads "Zionist and proud."
Liam Parry from the Students for Palestine UQ camp stated, "We’re here to speak up for Palestine, and we’re not interested in people trying to provoke a fight or anything like that." He mentioned that there had been no interaction between the two opposing camps and that they had been ignoring each other.
Meanwhile, at Monash University in Melbourne, Students for Palestine organizers reported that a group tore down Palestinian flags and damaged the camp kitchen. However, they stated, "We will not be intimidated by these people."
At the University of Sydney (USYD), the largest camp, tensions could escalate on Friday, when Jewish groups plan the first major counter-rally under the slogan "March for a safe campus." They are urging the university to take decisive action to foster a safe and inclusive learning environment. In response, the Sydney branch of Students for Palestine has called on supporters to defend the camp, stating, "Our cause is one for justice and peace!"
The pro-Palestinian protest at USYD includes a diverse array of students and does not tolerate any form of discrimination. About 50 tents line the quadrangle at the university, where up to 100 protesters are sleeping each night. Despite the tensions, the protests have remained relatively peaceful.
Jasmine Al-Rawi, convenor of the USYD Students for Palestine, emphasized their peaceful intent, stating, "We want to just stay here, to say that we have a right to protest peacefully, here on our campus, and demand an end to a genocide." However, Jewish groups argue that USYD is not a safe space as long as the protests continue.
The chant "from the river to the sea" has been heard at pro-Palestinian rallies worldwide and is often accompanied by the phrase "Palestine will be free." While it demands equal rights and the independence of Palestinians, in some cases, it is intended to call for the abolishment of Israel.
In response to these protests, the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) has called on Australian universities to protect the right of students to peaceful protest, stating that their action is justified. However, Danny Channan, a member of the small Queensland Jewish community, expressed concerns that allowing protesters to camp on site created a culture of fear among Jewish students who are trying to study. He and others set up "Camp Shalom" as a safe space for students and staff to gather and discuss the situation, but they are willing to respect the university's decision if asked to leave.
The situation remains tense, with both sides hoping for a peaceful resolution and a willingness to engage in dialogue to find common ground.