Anger mounts in Akld streets at Gaza violence

Published: 2:26PM Saturday January 10, 2009 Source: ONE News/Newstalk ZB

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Anger mounts as a large crowd marched in central Auckland on Saturday afternoon to protest at Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip.

It was a peaceful protest but many were very clearly angry as over 1000 marched down Queen Street in Auckland.

The crowd moved from Aotea Square to the US Consulate in Customs Street  where they made their feelings about continued US support of Israel very clear with chants of "Long Live Palestine" and "Israel/USA how many kids have you killed today?"

At the consulate they hurled boots and shoes at the building. 

"Shoes are... they've become a symbol of opposition to US and Israeli policies in the Middle East," says veteran activist and protest organiser John Minto.

Minto says the the march has made New Zealand the first country to stage a protest march on Saturday in an international day of action to mobilise the world against what he calls the Israeli massacre of civilians.

The march also had a noticeable presence from New Zealand Muslims.

Some of those marching had a peaceful message while others were less diplomatic.

"People have to have the understanding that we're not gonna let it happen we don't want it to happen," says one protester.

The march is the latest in a number of protests around the country over the past two weeks in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip but this time the numbers are greater, the language stronger and the demands more emphatic.

"We need to keep this pressure up now until it ends!" says another protester.

However among the anger there is also a moments' silence for peace.

The fighting in the Middle East may be half a world away but for many it felt very close to home.

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