Fake red blood and the words, “ceasefire now,” have been painted on the front entrance of the United States Consulate in Auckland, New Zealand.
Pro-Palestinian protesters also splashed red paint on the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs building. Signs including, “save Gaza,” and “Free Palestine,” were also painted at the entrance to one of the buildings.
Tamaki for Palestine has taken responsibility for the action, stating the plan was to “make the blood on U.S. and New Zealand officials’ hands visible.”
In a statement, the group stated the pain represented the 11,000 Palestinian men, women, and children allegedly “killed by Israel.”
The group also demanded the U.S. ambassador and consulate be expelled and called for the New Zealand government to recognise the state of Palestine.
In addition, Tamaki for Palestine requested that New Zealand use its “diplomatic influence” to call for an immediate Israeli ceasefire.
On Oct. 7, designated terror group Hamas launched an attack on Israel killing 1,200 people and kidnapping more than 200 people, including women and children. This led to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to declare war on the group.
“As we stand with the people and government of Israel, we also stand with Palestinian civilians,” a spokesperson reportedly said.
“We know the humanitarian situation is urgent, and we continue to focus on addressing the humanitarian needs of civilians in dire need.”
Meanwhile, a statue of Sir Dove-Myer Robinson, a Jewish former mayor of Auckland, was also defaced with a swastika and the words “free Palestine” following a pro-Palestinian rally in Auckland.
Juliet Moses, a spokesperson for the New Zealand Jewish Council, posted to X, “Aotea Square’s statue of Auckland’s longest-standing mayor Sir Dove-Meyer Robinson defaced with a swastika (and “Free Palestine” on its base).
“‘Robbie’ endured antisemitic violence at school in England before moving to NZ. He was not available for comment on the Gaza situation,” she added.
