New Zealand has voted in favour of the United Nations' call for an immediate humanitarian truce between Israel and Hamas.
However, it wasn't enough for thousands of New Zealanders who took to the streets calling on our Government to demand a ceasefire.
From the streets of Wellington, to the lawns of Parliament, they marched through Auckland's CBD, and lay down in the garden city.
Crowds were chanting "free, free Palestine!" with signs reading "Israel stop your apartheid" scattered throughout.
They were calling on our Government to demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
"We demand an end to genocide! We demand a ceasefire!" said one protest leader.
The nationwide marches were organised by Justice for Palestine.
"We're here to call upon our Government and the international community to act," said Samira Archer Zaiton from Justice for Palestine.
Overnight there was some action though.
The United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly in favour of a resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian truce between Israel and Hamas.
Aotearoa is among those who voted for it, but the US and Israel voted no.
And many of our allies didn't vote at all - such as Australia, Canada and Germany.
"It's definitely a good step, but that's all it is - a step," said Archer Zaiton.
Incoming prime minister Christopher Luxon avoided saying if he would support a ceasefire in Gaza.
"From my point of view, what I want to make sure is there's [sic] very strong statements that are condemning the Hamas attacks on Israel on October the 7th," he told Newshub.
But that's not enough for Green Party MP Golriz Ghahraman.
"Right now, Gaza is living under a situation of ethnic cleansing, so it is unconscionable for us to remain silent," she told Newshub.
Before the UN vote was cast last night, a Kiwi working in Gaza told Newshub Nation that our Government's stance isn't strong enough.
"I was surprised to read the statement by my Government which calls for a 'humanitarian pause' rather than ceasefire," said Hector Sharp, from the UN's Relief & Works Agency.
In response to today's protests, the New Zealand Government says it supports the right of Israel to defend itself against Hamas' attacks, but Israel must abide by international law to prioritise the protection of civilians - something this group of protesters says it's not doing.
"I want to see a ceasefire. I want to see a declaration from the Government saying: we stand on the side of the oppressed, of the Palestinians, and supporting them, and understanding that this has not happened in a vacuum," said one passionate protester.
"The New Zealand government should take a strong line on Hamas," said another.
"I'd like something explicit, not just general support. I'd like some actual words to be said that show our standpoint about what's happening."
And so would thousands of others.
