Tens of thousands of demonstrators rallied in Auckland on Saturday in solidarity with Palestinians, marking what organisers called the country’s most significant pro-Palestinian mobilisation since the Gaza war erupted. Auckland is New Zealand’s biggest city.
The March for Humanity drew about 50,000 participants, according to the advocacy group Aotearoa for Palestine, while police put the turnout closer to 20,000, reports agencies.
Since October 2023, Israel’s military offensive caused the deaths of more than 64,000 people in Gaza. Humanitarian agencies warn that food shortages are driving widespread starvation.
Protesters carried Palestinian flags and waved placards with messages such as “Don’t normalise genocide” and “Grow a spine stand with Palestine,” Radio New Zealand reported. Organisers had hoped to block a major Auckland bridge, inspired by a Syndey’s protest in August where the Harbour Bridge was shut down, but abandoned that idea because of severe weather conditions on Friday.
Police said no arrests were made during the event and traffic routes were being reopened once the march concluded.
Aotearoa for Palestine urged New Zealand’s centre-right government to take stronger action, including sanctions against Israel.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon had previously described Israeli operations in Gaza, particularly the lack of aid access, as “utterly appalling.” His government is also weighing whether to recognise Palestinian statehood.
