On 7th April 2024 in the 26th consecutive week of protest against Zionist-Settler-Occupation-Israel’s genocide in Gaza and occupation of Palestine, around 400 people gathered in Aotea Square to rally with PYA and PSNA on the last Sunday of the holy month of ramadan, under the call that Gaza is Being Starved. 6 months of Zionist-Settler-Occupation-Israel’s horrorifing crimes of genocide and the total seige has resulted in severe widespread malnutrition, starvation, and imminent famine especially in the North of the Gaza Strip where the population trapped by military inside the Strip and occupation forces are preventing aid from being delivered. Despite an International Court of Justice ruling to allow aid unhindered, there have been numerous attacks on people seeking aid, facilitating aid and delivering it.
There was karakia to open the protest rally which was done by Leanne of Ngāti Whātua, mana whenua of the place we gathered.
The Quran recitation was by Omar, whose family are from Gaza.
Hana AlBatnji is a Palestinian Youth Aotearoa member and proud 13 year old from Gaza. She visited Gaza a year ago, and shared with us the situation report brief and an update on her family in Gaza.
Areege Hussein is a dietitian who graduated from University of Otago. She works in a major hospital in Auckland, and shared a personal reflection imminent famine in Gaza.
“We need all crossings open to allow food and aid in.
We need the security assurances to be upheld for aid workers to distribute the aid
And we need a permanent ceasefire.”
Labour Party Member of Parliament Phil Twyford calls out Israels war crimes in Gaza and the Western nations who provide political cover and arm Israel. Phil Twyford speaks against AUKUS and brings attention the Governments invitation to the military junta dictators of Myanmar to visit NZ.
Member of Parliament @ricardommarch with Member of Parliament @kahurangicarter from @nzgreenparty, who have been putting questions to the Minister of Immigration about granting visas for family members in Gaza; planning to also find avenue to ensure the NZ Govt fulfills its obligations to prevent genocide; states they will ensure the Government is clear about the need for an immediate permanent ceasefire; pays tribute to the people of Yemen who also face starvation and have been leading with meaningful actions of solidarity with Palestinians.
“We need to stand up against colonial imperialism, whether it’s here in Aotearoa or throughout the world, together and only together we will make it happen.”
Dr Donna Cormack (Kai Tahu, Kāti Māmoe) is a researcher and teacher at the University of Auckland. Her research and teaching focuses on racism, colonialism and Indigenous health, and on social justice and self-determination. She is part of @maori_doctors_in_solidarity
Roger Fowler is from Kia ora Gaza, community organiser from Māngere East and long-standing activist. He shares an update on the upcoming international Freedom Flotilla, including three New Zealand doctors, and a sizable aid shipment – to find out more and donate head to Kiaoragaza.net
Mustafa Derbashi spent 29 years of his life in a Palestinian Refugee Camp in Jordan before making the courageous move to New Zealand with no English, no financial support and no safety net.
Driven by a passion for human rights and a deep commitment to supporting refugee communities, he quickly established himself as a respected activist and community connector in Aotearoa. He became the first person in New Zealand’s history from a refugee and Middle Eastern background to be appointed as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2022 for his outstanding service to migrant and refugee communities.
He is a prime example of hard working, dedicated Palestinians who love life and making a difference.
If only NZ government would GRANT THE VISAS and let our families from Gaza join us, you would meet more beautiful Palestinians
Auckland Peace Action 