Thousands Rally in Auckland in Largest Pro-Palestinian March Amid Gaza Conflict

Auckland hosted its largest pro-Palestinian rally to date, with attendance estimates ranging from 20,000 by police to 50,000 by organizers Aotearoa for Palestine, marking the biggest such demonstration in New Zealand since the Gaza conflict escalated in October 2023. Protesters carried Palestinian flags and banners denouncing what they describe as genocide, calling for an immediate ceasefire, an end to the Gaza blockade, and urging the New Zealand government to impose sanctions on Israel. The demonstration proceeded peacefully without arrests, despite initial plans to march over the Auckland Harbour Bridge being altered due to high winds. Organizers highlighted the event as a historic moment in New Zealand’s solidarity movement and expressed intentions to continue mobilizing for Palestinian justice. The government’s position remains under scrutiny, with calls for diplomatic and economic pressure on Israel amidst discussions on Palestinian statehood recognition. The New Zealand Jewish Council has not publicly responded to the rally or the demands made by the protesters.