Auckland [New Zealand], September 13 (ANI): Thousands of people joined a pro-Palestinian march in Auckland in what organizers described as the largest rally of its kind since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict, The Times of Israel reported.
Around 50,000 people attended the “March for Humanity” in central Auckland, according to the Aotearoa for Palestine group. However, New Zealand police estimated the crowd at about 20,000, The Times of Israel said.
Aotearoa for Palestine spokesperson Arama Rata said it was New Zealand’s largest demonstration in support of Palestinians since the war in Gaza began after the Hamas-led cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, in which terrorists killed about 1,200 people and kidnapped 251 hostages.
Many protesters carried Palestinian flags and banners with slogans such as “Don’t normalize genocide” and “Grow a spine, stand with Palestine,” The Times of Israel reported, citing the public broadcaster Radio New Zealand.
Organizers said they were inspired by a march that shut down Sydney’s Harbour Bridge in August and had initially planned to close a major Auckland bridge but abandoned the idea because of strong winds.
Police reported no arrests during the march and said roads along the route were being reopened. Aotearoa for Palestine urged New Zealand’s center-left coalition government to impose sanctions on Israel.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in August described recent Israeli actions in Gaza, including a lack of humanitarian aid, as “utterly appalling.” New Zealand is also considering whether to recognize a Palestinian state.
The New Zealand Jewish Council, which represents about 10,000 Jews in the country, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the march.
Meanwhile, in Israel, dozens of people protested outside the residence of Education Minister Yoav Kisch, calling for a hostage-ceasefire deal and an end to the war. Demonstrators carried posters reading “educates to abandon (our) brothers” and “educates to silence,” according to The Times of Israel. (ANI)
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