Photography by Christopher Curran

Hundreds of university students walked out of class on Thursday, 7 August, rallying in cities across Australia to demand sanctions on Israel and university divestment from weapons-linked companies. 

In Melbourne, students from UniMelb and other campuses gathered at the State Library before marching through the CBD. 

Organised by Students for Palestine, the strike centred on three demands: that the federal government sanction Israel; that universities end ties with weapons manufacturers; and that campus authorities stop disciplining pro-Palestine activists.

Victoria Police intervened to clear intersections near Flinders and Swanston streets, describing the protest as ‘largely peaceful’ but confirming several arrests for obstructing traffic. 

Student organisers framed the action as a response to Australia’s pending recognition of Palestinian statehood, arguing symbolic moves must be matched by material measures such as sanctions and divestment.