Prime Minister Lashes Pro-Hamas Students on University Campuses
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has criticised pro-Palestinian demonstrators in Melbourne, accusing those chanting “from the river to the sea” of being ignorant of the geography they reference.
The phrase refers to the land between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea, encompassing both Israel and the Palestinian territories. It has become a rallying cry for pro-Hamas supporters, widely accepted as advocating for a single state covering all historical Palestinian territories.
During a Yom HaZikaron event at Monash University’s Clayton campus on Monday night, which commemorates fallen Israeli soldiers and victims of terror, more than 1,000 people attended. Among them were about 100 pro-Hamas supporters.
Prime Minister Albanese condemned the chant as a “provocative act,” suggesting that many of those chanting it wouldn’t be able to locate the Jordan River on a map. He expressed disbelief at the protesters’ tactics, questioning how such behaviour could advance their cause.
The Priminister said to radio station 3AW, "One of the really disappointing things is that I reckon if you asked those people chanting it, heaps of them wouldn't have a clue, wouldn't be able to find the Jordan (River) on a map," adding "It's beyond me why people would think that it advances their cause to engage in this sort of behaviour".
Students and protesters have been setting up encampments in support of Palestinians in Gaza, demanding educational institutions to sever ties with Israel and Israeli companies. On Monday night, an encampment at Melbourne’s Deakin University was ordered to disband, with its electricity cut off due to “unacceptable behaviour.”
Deakin University deputy vice-chancellor Kerrie Parker demanded the “immediate dismantling and removal of the current encampment” at the Burwood campus in an email to organisers.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stressed his support for the right to protest but emphasised the need for respect.
“We in this country have a right to protest, that’s really important. But it’s important as well that it be respectful,” he stated.
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