Thousands joined a pro-Palestinian march in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, on Saturday (Sept 13), in what organisers described as the biggest rally of its kind since the conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas began. The “March for Humanity” in central Auckland drew about 50,000 participants according to organisers Aotearoa for Palestine, while New Zealand police put the number at around 20,000.

Arama Rata, a spokesperson for Aotearoa for Palestine, said it was the largest pro-Palestinian demonstration in New Zealand since Israel launched its offensive in response to a Hamas-led attack last October that killed roughly 1,200 people. Palestinian authorities report over 64,000 deaths in Gaza, with humanitarian groups warning of severe food shortages and widespread starvation.

Many protesters carried Palestinian flags and banners with slogans such as “Don’t normalise genocide” and “Grow a spine, stand with Palestine,” according to Radio New Zealand. Organisers had initially hoped to close a major city bridge, inspired by a similar march that blocked Sydney’s Harbour Bridge in August, but abandoned the plan due to strong winds. Police reported no arrests and said roads along the route were being reopened. The organisers called on New Zealand’s centre-left coalition government to impose sanctions on Israel.

In August, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon criticized Israel’s recent actions in Gaza, including restrictions on humanitarian aid, calling them “utterly appalling.” New Zealand has also been considering formal recognition of a Palestinian state. The New Zealand Jewish Council, representing around 10,000 local Jews, had not responded to requests for comment on the march.