Protesters march to Parliament today in Wellington. Photo: RNZ
Thousands of people marched from Wellington's Civic Square to Parliament Saturday to show their support for the people of Palestine.
The protesters are calling for the government to demand an immediate ceasefire to the conflict with Israel.
Similar gatherings took place around the country, including in Auckland, Hamilton, Napier, Palmerston North, Whanganui, Nelson, Christchurch and Dunedin.
Israel is expanding ground operations in Gaza, while the overwhelming majority in the UN General Assembly, including New Zealand, voted in favour of an immediate humanitarian truce in Gaza.
The resolution, drafted by Arab states, also demanded aid access to the besieged Gaza Strip and protection of civilians.
The resolution is not binding but carries political weight, taking the global temperature as Israel steps up ground operations in Gaza in retaliation for the worst Hamas attack on civilians in Israel's 75-year-old history.
It passed to a round of applause with 120 votes in favour, while 45 abstained and 14 - including Israel and the United States - voted no. Iraq later changed its vote to yes from an abstention after complaining of a technical difficulty, so the final tally was 121 votes in favour and 44 abstentions.
- BBC / Reuters
Here's what happened today in RNZ's live blog: