Sydney University’s anti-Israel encampment on the Great Hall lawn has finally been cleared following a directive from the university administration.

Cleanup operations commenced on Tuesday, with workers dismantling tents and loading rubbish and camping gear into disposal trucks.

The order to vacate the site came from Sydney University Vice-Chancellor Mark Scott, who initiated the shutdown on Friday, marking the end of an eight-week stand-off since the tents were set up on April 23.

This is all that now remains of the anti-Israel "encampment" at Sydney University (a smoke free university). #HashishForHamas pic.twitter.com/QBqWEatgwI

— Daniel (@VoteLewko) June 18, 2024

Despite the closure, the activists remain resolute, vowing to “not pause for a second.” Students for Palestine announced their return to campus next semester to "intensify their campaign against university management."

Their demands include severing all ties with Israel, encompassing academic partnerships and exchange programs.

Woman wearing an Israeli scarf walks around Sydney University campus asking students if they want Peace between Israel and Palestine.

Not a single one calls for peace.

“We haven’t been able to find a single person here who said they want peace.”

Video: Freya.Leach Instagram pic.twitter.com/XKTrVrxRdr

— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) May 28, 2024

The university’s shutdown order followed weeks of unproductive negotiations. Student leaders dismissed the administration’s latest offer to review research connections with defence firms, labelling it an “empty deal.”

“After the last rejection, we instructed the encampment representatives to vacate the site,” A university spokesperson remarked.

Controversies arose throughout the protest, including a children’s excursion chanting “Israel is a terrorist state.” Police were called to investigate incidents of vandalism, harassment, and trespassing.

Encampments at universities across Australia, including Melbourne, Curtin, ANU, and Deakin, have also been dismantled.