Protest in Wellington Demands Israeli Sanctions and Palestinian Statehood

About 1,000 people gathered at the Pukeahu War Memorial Park in Wellington on Saturday, October 7, 2023, to demand that the New Zealand government impose sanctions on Israel and officially recognize Palestinian statehood. The protest occurred despite heavy rain, illustrating the determination of the participants who marched approximately 1 kilometer through the suburb of Te Aro, ultimately arriving at Odlins Plaza.

Winston Peters, New Zealand’s Foreign Minister, stated at the United Nations that the country would not take immediate action regarding the recognition of Palestine. In response, Samira Zaiton, co-convenor of Justice for Palestine, emphasized the community’s commitment to the cause, stating, “We are coming together as a community to re-affirm our commitment to the kaupapa, to re-affirm our steadfastness that we will see this through, until Palestine is free, until justice is served.”

The rain did not deter the protestors, who carried umbrellas and displayed vibrant signs. Zaiton addressed the crowd, highlighting the stark contrast between their weather conditions and those faced by many in Gaza: “How many days like this, with weather like this, have happened in the last two years in Gaza? The rain may be relentless today, but so are we.”

As the protest unfolded, Tory Whanau, the Mayor of Wellington, joined the march to express solidarity. She remarked, “We’re seeing a genocide play out right in front of our eyes and we’re seeing world leaders, including our own, not recognize that.” Whanau’s comments reflect a broader concern as she also condemned a recent attack outside a synagogue in Manchester, where at least two Jewish worshippers were killed on Yom Kippur. “Everyone should be protected and entitled to safety, and that includes our Jewish community,” she said, emphasizing the need for unity in times of conflict.

In the context of ongoing tensions, Zaiton noted that the march was timed to coincide with the second anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel. She asserted, “This did not start on October 7. For nearly 80 years, Palestine has been occupied.” The Justice for Palestine organization reiterated its position, stating, “Palestinians have endured 78 years of occupation, displacement and violence since the ‘Nakba’ during Israel’s creation in 1948.”

The organization criticized the New Zealand government’s stance, arguing that it represents a failure of leadership. “While more than 150 countries, including Canada, Australia, France, and the United Kingdom, have recognized Palestinian statehood, New Zealand’s leaders have chosen diplomatic cowardice over moral courage,” the statement read. They called for immediate sanctions against Israel and recognition of Palestinian statehood, emphasizing a commitment to both Palestinian and local values of perseverance.

In a contrasting viewpoint, Alon Roth-Snir, the Israeli ambassador to New Zealand, praised Peters for his position. He stated, “Recognizing the state of Palestine would be to recognize Hamas as a legitimate political entity.” Roth-Snir also expressed a desire for demonstrations to focus on achieving genuine peace, rather than opposing Israel.

As the protest concluded, participants remained united in their calls for justice and recognition, embodying a steadfast commitment to the Palestinian cause. The event clearly illustrated the ongoing debate surrounding international responses to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with strong opinions and emotions on both sides.