Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
14 May 2024 | 20:00 CAT
2 min read

Protesters against Israel’s war in Gaza have been camping at Australian universities, including Monash and Melbourne, for many weeks, calling on these institutions to sever ties with weapons manufacturers. These demonstrations have led to counter-protests by supporters of Israel, such as the one at Monash on Monday, sparking a national debate about free speech and discrimination on campus.

In an interview with Radio Islam, an Honours student from Monash University in Australia, Muawiyah Ziyaad Mahomed highlighted that the protests in Australia are part of a global movement, inspired by similar actions around the world. The encampment protests, in particular, have created a ripple effect, starting from Columbia University in New York and spreading all the way to Melbourne.

Media reports indicate that a police investigation is underway following alleged attacks on a pro-Palestine camp at Monash University. Despite these incidents, protesters have vowed they “won’t be cowed or intimidated.” The Gaza solidarity encampment has reported repeated incursions since its establishment, with claims of property destruction, theft, and harassment of students.

“There are certainly issues here with certain security officers and enforcement agencies who have been slightly heavy-handed, there is also the concern of alleged reports of assaults of students in these encampments; dismantling, attacking and vandalising these encampments; which are in line with Freedom of Speech, Freedom to Protest within the Australian commonwealth. Not to the same extent as universities in the US but we do see some concerns raised by some communities,” said Mahomed.

According to Mahomed, public sentiment has shifted significantly, with a notable increase in pro-Palestinian support over the last two months. He described this change as huge.

“We are seeing a change in the rhetoric in some regards but we have to temper that with the reality, which is the media continues to misrepresent what is actually on the ground in Gaza, the media apparatus hasn’t kept us with the truth and justice that needs to be served to the Palestinian people,” he said.

Mahomed pointed out that the Australian government’s stance on the Palestine issue has evolved, as evidenced by its role as one of the co-signatories of the United Nations resolution to recognize Palestine as a state. This shift indicates a changing approach to the Palestine issue and an acknowledgement of the humanitarian plight.

“Things are starting to simmer down as compared to when it began, but it is a little heavy in the air at the moment; there is always the risk of further agitation and aggression by counter-protest movements, by Zionist organisations. However, the universities are trying to comply with some of the demands,” he said.

Mahomed anticipated that there would be significant tension in the coming weeks between university administrations and determined students who showed no signs of backing down from their protests.

“The students are very resolved on sitting this one out in their encampments in their weekly protests across various institutions in Australia,” he said.

Australian National University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Professor Grady Venville, has allegedly warned of further interventions if the students’ behaviour does not change.

LISTEN to the full interview with Ml Sulaimaan Ravat and Muawiya Mahomed, Honour Student at Monash University, here.