Israel-Hamas war: Pro-Palestinian protesters in Hastings call for ceasefire in Gaza

Warren Brewer organises demonstrations in Hawke's Bay in support of Palestine. Photo / Paul Taylor

Violence in Gaza has spurred an increase in attendance at protests in Hawke’s Bay calling for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

A surprise October 7 attack by Hamas on Israeli towns spurred Israel to declare war on Hamas and begin a series of airstrikes on targets across Gaza, Syria and the West Bank.

More than 1400 people have been killed in Israel since the war began, mostly civilians killed in the initial Hamas assault. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza says more than 4300 Palestinians have been killed.

People gathered with signs and Palestinian flags at the roundabout intersection of Willowpark Rd North and Heretaunga St East in Hastings on Saturday.

Organiser Warren Brewer said his group had been protesting what he calls an Israeli “occupation” of Gaza once a month in Hastings, Napier and Flaxmere for about five years.

He said a core group of about eight usually turn up, but there were about 20 people this time, and more had said they would attend next week.

“Our protest has not been against this Israeli action specifically, it has been ongoing opposition to the colonisation of Gaza,” Brewer said.

He said his group supported “the Palestinian right to self-determination and the occupation of their own country”.

He said it felt like the leaders of the Labour and National parties were looking the other way and that it was “appalling”.

“The Greens and the Māori Party have responded very well to this problem, but the major parties seem to just be sitting on their hands and saying, ‘Let it roll’.”