Blood
Protesters throw fake blood on US consulate and Mfat offices, one person arrested
Red paint has been thrown across the entrance to Auckland’s United States Consulate and New Zealand’s foreign affairs building by a group of pro-Palestine protesters.
One person was arrested in relation to the incident, a police spokesperson confirmed.
Overnight, the group Tāmaki for Palestine splashed red paint across the two buildings, stating in a press release that it represented the “blood” of Palestinians who had been killed by Israeli forces.
The words “ceasefire now” had also been spray-painted on the door of the consulate.
Tāmaki for Palestine said they had taken action to “make the blood on US and New Zealand officials’ hands visible”.
The group condemned the United States’ funding of Israel’s military actions and said the country was complicit in the deaths of 11,000 Palestinians.
CHRIS MCKEEN/Stuff
Protesters have used red paint to graffiti the entrance of the US Consulate in Auckland.
They demanded the New Zealand Government use its “diplomatic influence” to support an immediate ceasefire.
“This includes ending diplomatic ties with the USA to pressure said imperialist superpower to also support an immediate Israeli ceasefire,” the group said.
They also urged the Government to “expel” the US ambassador and embassy and asked for New Zealand to recognise the State of Palestine.
A spokesperson for the US Embassy, said the US “supported” the right of people to voice their opinion through peaceful protest, but not vandalising property.
“As we stand with the people and government of Israel, we also stand with Palestinian civilians.
“We know the humanitarian situation is urgent, and we continue to focus on addressing the humanitarian needs of civilians in dire need.”
Mfat would not comment and said questions should be directed to police.
Chris McKeen/Stuff
Protesters used red paint to simulate the blood of the Palestinian people to deface the doors of the US Consulate and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Auckland.
Police confirmed they were looking into reports of vandalism at two buildings in the city overnight and one person had been arrested.
“Our inquiries are in the very early stages to determine the full circumstances, the police spokesperson said.
Anyone who had information or footage of the incident was asked to contact police on 105, using the reference event number P056717234. Information could also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
On October 7, Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, killing around 1200 people and taking about 240 hostages.
Since then, more than 11,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza due to airstrikes by the Israeli Defence Force. Children and civilians have been killed in both places.
Meanwhile, up to 1.7 million Palestinian refugees in Gaza faced new homelessness in crowded makeshift camps with chronic shortages of food and water.
Across the world, including in New Zealand, there have been protests and marches in pro-Palestine and pro-Israel rallies.
A pro-Palestine rally was held in Auckland on Sunday, calling on the Government to join other countries in demanding a ceasefire in Gaza.
Chris McKeen/Stuff
The words “ceasefire now” had also been spray-painted on the door of the consulate.
While the protest itself was mostly peaceful, a young boy was seriously injured after being hit on the head with a shovel as the crowds dispersed.
A man was arrested, and police said he had been “receiving support from mental health services” prior to the attack.
Last week, a Jewish community centre in Auckland was the target of graffiti and attempted arson.
The words Gaza, save the children, ceasefire, and ‘fuk’, were sprayed on the fence.
Stuff understands the site was targeted because on Google it is listed as the Consulate of Israel, which it no longer is.
After hearing about the damage, volunteers from Palestinian Youth Aotearoa went to the centre to help clean up the fire damage and show their support.
