31 Mar 2024

Auckland protesters hold empty plates to highlight hunger in Gaza

5:50 pm on 31 March 2024
Protestors at Auckland's Aotea Square on Sunday 31 March want the New Zealand government to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Protestors at Auckland's Aotea Square on Sunday 31 March want the New Zealand government to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. Photo: RNZ

Hundreds of people holding empty plates have gathered in central Auckland demanding the New Zealand government call for a cease-fire in Gaza.

Protesters at Aotea Square say the empty dinner-places are to raise awareness for those going hungry within the warzone.

A dozen police officers watched over the protest on Saturday afternoon, to ensure it was peaceful.

Families, children and iwi attended the protest, with tamariki leading the chant asking for a cease-fire.

As war continues in Gaza, international agencies have called on Israel to do more to prevent serious food shortages affecting the population within Gaza.

The Israel-Gaza war began following an attack by Palestinian Hamas forces on Israeli citizens on 7 October last year, with Israel responding with air strikes and ground forces. The conflict has displaced much of the population of Gaza within its boundaries.

New Zealanders who have tried to send food aid into Gaza say it has been a struggle to get it to its destination.

Protestors at Auckland's Aotea Square on Sunday 31 March want the New Zealand government to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Photo: RNZ

Protestors at Auckland's Aotea Square on Sunday 31 March want the New Zealand government to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Police were stationed at the protest, in case of unrest. Photo: RNZ

Protestors at Auckland's Aotea Square on Sunday 31 March want the New Zealand government to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Photo: RNZ

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