Pro-Palestine activists at the Australian National University (ANU) have finally removed their lengthy 110-day encampment, marking the end of the longest-running protest across Australian campuses. The protest received support from Greens Senators Mehreen Faruqi and David Shoebridge.
ANU for Palestine, the group behind the encampment, confirmed their departure but declared their intention to continue their fight against the university’s alleged complicity in the Palestinian genocide and support of the Israeli apartheid state.
The group stated, “For 110 days, the ANU Gaza Solidarity Encampment has been a physical presence, advocating for full divestment from the so-called state of Israel, making it the longest ongoing Gaza Solidarity Encampment in so-called Australia.”
On Aug. 13, the ANU Council made a decision not to contribute to controversial weapons manufacturers and civilian small arms manufacturers in its Long Term Investment Pool, a move that the pro-Palestinian activists claimed credit for but deemed insufficient.
The students asserted, “Our movement has always called for full and immediate divestment from the state of Israel and the military-industrial complex enabling its occupation and genocide of the Palestinian people.”
The encampment was part of a broader movement following a Hamas attack on Israel in October that resulted in casualties and hostages, sparking ongoing conflict and violence in the region.
In response to the encampment’s disbandment, ANU emphasized its commitment to respectful debate and student engagement while ensuring the safety and well-being of the campus community.
Greens Senator David Shoebridge commended the encampment as a powerful display of solidarity, emphasizing the importance of universities divesting from weapons companies.
However, the Australian Jewish Association accused the encampment of promoting hatred and being anti-Jewish, citing complaints from Jewish students about verbal abuse and inappropriate behavior.
The protest also drew attention during a Senate Estimates hearing, where concerns were raised about divisive messaging and imagery on campus, prompting ANU to address and remove such content deemed as hateful.
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