Auckland Hundreds of people have gathered again in Auckland’s Aotea Square to protest Israel’s ground offensive in Gaza. Kia Ora Gaza, a group encouraging Kiwis to donate humanitarian aid to Gaza, is among the groups assembling at the square.
Kia Ora Gaza’s Lyn Doherty is selling T-shirts to raise awareness and funds. She said Gaza residents were enduring a severe humanitarian crisis. “What they need is the bombing to stop,” Doherty told the Herald on Sunday. “They need a ten year ceasefire with the siege broken.” Other protesters are holding banners calling for the Israeli ambassador to be expelled. Unite union’s Mike Treen said today’s turnout was heartening. Protesters will shortly march to the US Consulate on Customs St. Treen said the US military aid enabled Israel to launch acts of aggression against Palestinians. Organizers say they will keep protesting in central Auckland every Saturday, until Gaza’s residents achieve “freedom and justice.” Marchers also plan to stage a “die-in” on Queen St. Green MP Catherine Delahunty addressed the crowd and said her party supported the imposition of economic sanctions on Israel. “Let’s get real about this issue,” she said. Mana Movement supporter and adventurer Busby Noble is also present. “It’s all about everybody having a [fair go] really. We should be making a noise for those less fortunate than ourselves.”