Main
roads in Auckland’s CBD are being re-opened by police after
a pro-Palestinian demonstration.
About 20,000 people
participated in the ‘March for Humanity’, calling on the
government to sanction Israel.
The march started at
Aotea Square on Saturday morning and finished at Victoria
Park that afternoon.
Counter-protesters followed the
large wave of people as they made their way through the
city, waving Palestine flags and slogans reading “Don’t
normalise Genocide” and “Grow a Spine, Stand with
Palestine”.
At the back of the protest, police
provided a human barrier separating them from a group of
counter-protesters chanting “Free the Hostages” and “Down
with Hamas”.
Meanwhile, a second group of about 50
people, believed to be affiliated to Destiny Church, earlier
shouted at the main protest group and performed a haka,
before being moved on by police.
Police said just
before 2pm protesters had started dispersing, and they would
continue to monitor those who remained gathered.
They
said there were no major issues during the protest
action.
Although initially intended to proceed across
the Auckland Harbour Bridge, that plan was abandoned
due to forecast high winds.
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MetService said wind
gusts could reach up to 70kmh on the bridge at the time of
the march, and protest organisers said that meant it would
be too dangerous to walk across.
Aotearoa for
Palestine spokesperson Nadine Mortaja said it would be the
largest march for Palestine in New Zealand’s
history.
In addition to their key demand for New
Zealand to sanction Israel, organisers were calling for an
immediate unconditional ceasefire; and an immediate end to
the blockade and reinstatement of UNRWA (United Nations
Relief and Works Agency) to allow life-saving aid to safely
enter Gaza.
Green Party co-leader, Marama Davidson,
said the pro-Palestinian protesters showed leadership where
the government hasn’t.
Davidson, joined by fellow
Green MPs Ricardo Menéndez March and Steve Abel praised the
strong turnout, and said she’s grateful to be a part of the
movement advocating for
Palestine.
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