Demonstrators supporting Israel's right to defend itself gathered outside Parliament today, waving Israeli flags and calling on Hamas to end rocket attacks on civilians.
About 100 people gathered to counter the much larger pro-Palestinian rally in Wellington last week when more than 1000 demonstrators marched through the city protesting against Israel's military offensive in Gaza.
"There are two sides to the story of what is happening in Gaza," organisers of today's demonstration said in a statement.
"Israel has a right to self-defence. Israel seeks peace with Palestinians and an end to the Hamas regime which wants to destroy Israel and targets Jews around the world."
They delivered letters to MPs, including the Green Party's Keith Locke, which stated their case and expressed support for the suffering of Palestinian civilians.
Mr Locke spoke at the pro-Palestinian rally last week, accusing the Government of hypocrisy because it was not speaking against the "terrorist attacks" on the people of Gaza.
Today's pro-Israeli demonstrators carried placards denouncing Hamas for launching rocket attacks against Israel.
The Government has adopted a neutral stance on the conflict.
Foreign Minister Murray McCully last week called on Israel and Hamas to end their attacks and agree to a ceasefire.
"It is imperative both sides - Israel and Hamas - focus on the mounting humanitarian situation for the civilian population of Gaza," Mr McCully said.
"Both sides have obligations to avoid putting civilians in danger."
