A child is in a serious condition after allegedly being assaulted leaving a protest calling for a ceasefire in Gaza in Auckland's Aotea Square yesterday afternoon.
The child was reportedly hit in the head with a shovel.
Police said one man has been arrested following the incident.
"The assault occurred behind the Auckland Town Hall as crowds dispersed," Acting Auckland District Commander Superintendent Sunny Patel said.
A person has been arrested after the child was allegedly attacked following an Auckland protest calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. (Source: Breakfast)
"The victim is currently in a serious condition in Starship Hospital.
"We understand this incident has been incredibly distressing and are supporting the victim and their family."
Prior to the attack, the man had been receiving support of the mental health services, Patel said.
"Police are still working to establish the events that occurred in the lead up to this incident and we are speaking with a number of references."
Several thousand people attended the protest which called for a ceasefire in Gaza. Police said although there were three arrests, the demonstrations were "mainly peaceful".
ACT, Greens call for non-violence at Israel-Gaza conflict protests
ACT deputy leader Brooke van Velden and Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson both said their thoughts were with the family of a young child injured over the weekend. (Source: Breakfast)
On Breakfast this morning, both ACT deputy leader Brooke van Velden and Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson said their thoughts were with the child's family.
Davidson was at the rally. She described the atmosphere as "peaceful but staunch".
She said there were "absolutely" concerns around safety at the protests.
"I was devastated about anybody being hurt, but a young baby," she said. "All non-violent protests should be safe for all families to attend, people should not have to worry about their children being harmed in any way."
Van Velden echoed Davidson's message.
"People have a right to protest, there is a right to non-violent protest, and I think that's really important," she said. "I think it's really important for us to ensure that everybody feels like they have a right to their opinion, but we're not escalating, so people are safe.
"Our Palestinian community is safe, our Israeli community is safe, our Jewish community is safe, our Muslim community is safe."
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