A significant protest took place in Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD) this afternoon, with hundreds of high school and university students abandoning their classes to voice opposition against the ongoing war in Gaza. The demonstration, which commenced around 2pm outside the State Library, saw participants march towards Flinders Street Station, culminating in a sit-in at the busy intersection of Flinders and Swanston streets at approximately 3pm.
As the protesters occupied the intersection, tensions escalated with a visible police presence, resulting in several arrests before 4pm. The protestors subsequently announced their relocation to Federation Square, maintaining their demands for an end to Australian military trade with Israel and urging universities to divest from defence-related research and investments.
Organised by Students for Palestine and the National Union of Students, the protest included statements from leaders like James McVicar from the NUS Education Office. He emphasised the Australian government’s complicity in Israel’s actions, stating that Australian-made aircraft components play a direct role in the conflict. The participants aim to raise awareness and pressure political leaders to reconsider their positions regarding military support for Israel.
In response to the protest, tram services around Flinders Street Station were disrupted, highlighting the significant impact of the demonstrators on the city’s transport system. The protest reflects a growing climate of activism amongst youth, positioning them as active participants in advocating for global issues affecting human rights.