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Protesters in Auckland urge Israel stop to its attacks on the Gaza Strip - Source: ONE News -
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Palestinian supporters in New Zealand are planning to protest against Israel's bombardment of Gaza while the Government and Opposition urged caution and the need to step back from the brink of disaster in the Middle East.
The supporters will march through the streets in Wellington on Tuesday to protest against Israel's air and ground offensive in Gaza.
They also called on the New Zealand Government to end its neutral stance but Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully said the Government "is not prepared to choose sides".
McCully says the Government's stance was in line with the international community, including the United Nations and European Union, The Dominion Post reported.
Israel must cease attacks on Palestinian targets and Hamas must cease the flow of mortar bombs and rockets into Israel, McCully says.
Labour's foreign affairs spokeswoman Helen Clark expressed concern that the United Nations Security Council had been unable to agree on a further call for a ceasefire to hostilities in Gaza.
Clark says that the need for a ceasefire was even more pressing now that Israel had mounted a land forces incursion, and that further significant loss of life, including of innocent civilians, was inevitable as the conflict escalated.
"There is no road to peace between Israel and the Palestinians through this conflict in Gaza, but rather a deepening polarisation between the two sides which makes it even more difficult for a long term settlement to be achieved."
She urged an end to "this deadly conflict" and quick progress on a negotiated settlement between the two sides.
Last week 300 demonstrators protested against the Israeli air offensive by burning the American flag in Aotea Square in Auckland. One protester had earlier stomped on the flag outside the American consulate.
Israel's weeklong aerial bombardment of Gaza has sparked strong condemnation across the Muslim and Arab world. About 500 Palestinians have been killed and more than 1600 wounded, according to Gaza officials.
Palestinian supporter Omar Kharmoun said governments were not responding to the outrage because "they are either timid or bluntly supporting what is happening, and waiting for Israel to finish the job".
Waikato Jewish Association spokesman Beni Tobias said the Israeli government was doing what was necessary to protect its citizens, and that its actions were justified by international law.
Are you a New Zealander currently visiting or living in Gaza? Get in touch with ONE News at news@tvnz.co.nz
