Protests against Israel’s ongoing attacks on Gaza were held in New Zealand’s major cities today. 500 people gathered in Auckland’s Aotea Square at noon and marched to the United States consulate in Customs Street, where they threw shoes at the building. The protest was addressed by John Minto of Global Peace and Justice Auckland and Green Party MP Keith Locke, who said Israel had taken the weak response from other countries around the world as a green light to continue their aggression. Members of the local Palestinian community also spoke. Auckland resident Malcom Evans told Stuff.co.nz that he was attending the demonstration to express his solidarity with those who found the activities of Israel abhorrent. “Zionism and apartheid have no difference...We need to express our indignation the same way we did when South Africa practiced their hateful regime.”
Organizers handed out petition forms and leaflets detailing Israeli products which it encouraged people to boycott.

The NZ Press Association reported the demonstration as being 1000-strong. There was significant participation by Palestinian and Arab people, and some Jewish support, as well as unions and some religious groups according to Mike Treen of Global Peace and Justice Auckland. “A lot of people there had relatives — a lot of the young Arabs, Palestinians, knew people, relatives, family in the Gaza, so that concern was expressed as well.” Other actions were planned, including protest directed at companies and organisations with links to Israel. “Until the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza ends, they will be a target for the boycott and divestment campaigns.”

Protests were also held in Christchurch and the capital Wellington, where protesters marched to the monument to former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabi and splattered symbolic “blood” on the monument and an burned an Israeli flag.