Red paint has been thrown over the entrance to the US Consulate in Auckland by an activist group protesting over the war in Gaza.
The action is the latest in similar protests by Tāmaki for Palestine, which said in a statement this morning: "This represents the blood Israel has spilled in its genocide against the Palestinian people, which is the US war machine is facilitating."
The group is critical of US support for Israel – and of New Zealand Government official line on the conflict.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters' recent call for "all parties involved in the conflict — as well as countries with influence in the region — to take urgent steps towards establishing a ceasefire" was branded by the group as "disappointingly moderate".
"Months of heartfelt protests across the motu including marches, vigils, sit-ins and blockades represent popular support for Palestinian liberation," the group said. "Tangata whenua see the resonance with the struggles for tino rangatiratanga in Aotearoa.
"Our politicians must catch up with the will of the people."
The Auckland protest group called for the US and Israeli ambassadors to be expelled, and for New Zealand's ambassadors to be recalled from those countries. Tāmaki for Palestine also called on the Government to vote for an immediate ceasefire at the UN, as well as:
- "Condemn Israel's war crimes, and the use of US-produced and funded weaponry in these crimes."
- "Formally recognise the State of Palestine."
A US Embassy spokesperson told 1News in a statement: "The United States supports the right of people to voice their opinion through peaceful protest but civil protests do not include vandalising property."
The Consulate was first splashed with paint by the group last month, alongside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Auckland building. Alongside the red paint, messages calling for a ceasefire could be seen.
The week after, a number of MPs – including now-Prime Minister Christoper Luxon – had their offices vandalised.
Inspector Grant Tetzlaff said police are looking into the incident.
"Police were made aware of the vandalism, on a building on Customs Street East, earlier this morning," he said. "Our enquiries are in the very early stages to determine the full circumstances."
Police asked anyone with information about the incident to call 105.
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