Crowds in the Octagon call for the Government to do what it
can to end the Israeli offensive in the Gaza strip. Photos
by Craig Baxter.
Protesters called for the New Zealand Government to take
a stand on Israel's bombing of Gaza as they remembered the
victims of the conflict during a peaceful protest in Dunedin on
Saturday.
A peaceful protest was also staged in Christchurch, where
spokesman Dan Rae said 400-500 people attended.
Another protest in Auckland resulted in one arrest.
In Dunedin's Octagon about 100 protesters heard speakers from
several organisations.
People were given red arm bands to symbolise blood and
suffering in Gaza.
They carried placards calling for an end to the war.
Otago Muslim Association minister Gamal Fouda said what was
happening in Gaza was "shameful" and a "brutal massacre".
Prayers were led, messages of support read and the Government
urged to do what it could to end the conflict.
Tenoch King, a member of the public who asked to speak, said
she was a Jew and not all Jews supported what was happening
in Gaza.
Across the Octagon, a small group of Israeli supporters held
up a banner and Israeli flag in support of its country.
Yonatan Frank, one of several Israeli tourists, said they
came to support their country, which was only defending
itself.
Global Peace and Justice group spokesman Mike Treen said the
Auckland protest was outside the headquarters of Rakon, a
technology company that makes crystal oscillators for Israeli
bombs.
The demonstration was largely peaceful, although red paint
bombs were thrown and a man was arrested for painting "kills"
on the building.
A march on Parliament is planned for tomorrow, with
protesters asked to bring or make a key as a symbol of
"Palestinian dispossession". - with NZPA
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