Australian academic and author Randa Abdel-Fattah has alleged that several universities in Australia are using staff restructuring processes to dismiss pro-Palestinian academics. Speaking at an event in London on Tuesday night to promote her novel *Discipline*, Dr Abdel-Fattah, who is employed at Macquarie University, claimed that many colleagues have lost their jobs due to their political views on Palestine. She suggested that the university restructures serve as a cover for removing outspoken or “troublesome” staff members. Some affected academics are reportedly contesting the decisions, arguing they are being targeted for their activism.
Dr Abdel-Fattah, currently on a book tour across Ireland and England, also addressed challenges she faces as a contract worker in academia, expressing concerns about job security after her contract ends. Earlier, her UK tour faced uncertainty when a Conservative politician sought to revoke her visa, but the Home Office declined to take action.
During her talk, she referenced the recent death of Cambridge University professor Jason Arday, who had been subject to intense media scrutiny over alleged plagiarism. She described the episode as indicative of deeper institutional failings, criticizing universities for failing to protect vulnerable staff amid hostile public and media campaigns.
Dr Abdel-Fattah also spoke candidly about her refusal to have her books used in Israel, citing opposition to what she described as ongoing “genocide” in Gaza. She argued that efforts to educate or engage in dialogue have failed and expressed frustration at how definitions of antisemitism are being used in Australia to suppress criticism of Israel. She pointed to a recent royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion, saying it effectively criminalized pro-Palestinian expressions such as bake sales or the phrase “Free Palestine.” She suggested that this environment aims to distract activists, drain their time and resources, and enable human rights abuses to continue.
At the event, she also addressed wider geopolitical issues, noting the perceived inaction of Arab and Muslim governments in response to Israeli military actions in Gaza. She said Palestinians express anger toward their own leaders, whom they view as autocratic and aligned with Western interests rather than representing the populations’ grievances.
The context of Dr Abdel-Fattah’s comments coincides with the approaching third anniversary of the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas militants at the Nova festival near the Gaza border in Israel. That attack resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Israelis and the capture of dozens more. Survivors and families of victims continue to recount traumatic experiences. One such survivor, Israeli tattoo artist Mia Schem, described the lasting psychological impact of her capture and escape during the attack. She reported witnessing extreme violence, including sexual violence against victims, which has been documented in United Nations reports.
Israeli politics remain highly charged ahead of the scheduled October 27 elections. Current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has overseen the extensive offensive in Gaza over the past three years, faces a tight race as former prime minister Naftali Bennett and other opposition figures campaign. Bennett characterized the initial Hamas attack as a significant failure of Israeli state security.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrations continue in Australia, with recent events marked by confrontations between supporters and opponents of Israel, including clashes in Melbourne near the State Library involving security personnel protecting a former Israeli Defense Forces soldier. Authorities have limited ability to disperse such gatherings due to constitutional protections of free speech and assembly.
These complex and often contentious developments highlight ongoing tensions surrounding academic freedom, political activism, and the broader Israel-Palestine conflict, both within Australia and internationally.