Thousands of people took to the streets of New Zealand’s largest city on Saturday in a mass show of support for Palestinians, with organisers calling it the country’s biggest pro-Palestinian march since the war in Gaza began.
According to a report by Hindustan Times, the “March for Humanity,” held in central Auckland, drew an estimated 50,000 people, according to organisers Aotearoa for Palestine. Police placed the number closer to 20,000.
Spokesperson Arama Rata said the event marked New Zealand’s largest demonstration backing Palestine since the conflict erupted in October 2023, when Israel launched a military offensive following a Hamas-led attack that killed around 1,200 people.
Protesters carried Palestinian flags and placards with messages such as “Don’t normalise genocide” and “Grow a spine, stand with Palestine,” Radio New Zealand reported.
Organisers had initially hoped to close a major Auckland bridge, inspired by a protest in Sydney that shut down the Harbour Bridge last month, but cancelled those plans due to strong winds.
Police confirmed there were no arrests and that roads along the march route were reopened shortly after.
The rally comes amid growing calls for New Zealand’s government to take a stronger stance. Aotearoa for Palestine urged Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s centre-right coalition to impose sanctions on Israel.
Luxon has previously condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, describing the lack of humanitarian aid as “utterly appalling.” His government is also considering whether to recognise a Palestinian state, Hindustan Times reported.
Palestinian authorities report more than 64,000 deaths in Gaza since the war began, while aid agencies warn of widespread starvation.
The New Zealand Jewish Council, which represents around 10,000 Jews in the country, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.