Cause goes beyond ceasefire

People march into the Octagon, protesting against the war in Gaza, on Saturday. PHOTO: PETER...
People march into the Octagon, protesting against the war in Gaza, on Saturday. PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSH
The marches against the war in Gaza could continue even if Israel and Hamas reach a ceasefire, the co-organiser of the Dunedin rallies says.

Marches have occurred in Dunedin regularly since the latest conflict between Israel and Palestinians started on October 7.

About 200 people marched from Tuhura Otago Museum to the Octagon on Saturday in support of Palestinians.

Co-organiser Rinad Tamimi, who is from Hebron in the West Bank, said a permanent ceasefire in the conflict would be a great result.

"We’ve been marching since October ... the situation has not changed, but we keep on marching."

The New Zealand government signalled last week it would be reviewing whether to continue its contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which provides aid to territories such as Gaza and the occupied West Bank, after allegations by Israel that several members of UNRWA’s staff were part of Hamas’ October 7 attack.

Ms Tamimi said the government’s moves disheartened her, but she was grateful for the support of her fellow marchers every weekend.

"I see the love and support every time I come here.

"I wish people in Palestine could see this right now."

Asked whether the marches would continue if Hamas and Israel reached a ceasefire, Ms Tamimi said this would be "a fraction of what we’re after".

"We’re after a cease-occupation; a cease-apartheid; a cease-genocide.

"We’re after everyone to have justice."

The marches had helped put a whole lot of issues on the map, she said.

"There’s been a real community coming together."

matthew.littlewood@odt.co.nz

 

 

Advertisement