Thousands are expected to march through Devonport’s main street to the naval base at 2pm today, due to widespread outrage at the government’s decision to deploy New Zealand personnel to join US-led attacks on Yemen.
In a statement, spokesperson Arama Rata stated, “We are appalled our government is dragging New Zealand into a new war in the Middle East, instead of supporting diplomatic efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza. This is an unpopular, undemocratic, and dangerous move, taken without parliamentary mandate, or authorisation from the United Nations Security Council, which could further inflame regional tensions.”
Ansarallah (known commonly in the West as the ‘Houthis’) have been disrupting cargo in the Red Sea, stating their targeting of ships linked to Israel and its supporters will end when there is a ceasefire in Palestine.
New Zealand naval vessels have not been deployed to the Middle East, but event organisers believe pressure must be put on the government to recall New Zealand personnel, and prevent further New Zealand involvement in US-led aggression abroad.
