Pro-Palestinian supporters swarmed Auckland Museum on Sunday night in protest of its decision to light up in blue and white in solidarity with Israel, which saw police respond to "maintain the peace".
It comes a week after Palestinian militant group Hamas unleashed an unprecedented attack on Israel, with more than 1300 Israelis killed in the initial attack from Gaza. Israel responded with brutal force with at least 2670 people killed so far by Israel's retaliatory strikes on Gaza.
On Sunday evening, Auckland Museum lit up in blue in white. In an initial Instagram story, the museum said, "your museum is lit in blue and white in solidarity with Israel".
"Our thoughts go out to the many civilians impacted as a result of the terrorist attack a week ago today."
By the time darkness had set in, and the colours became brighter, about 100 people gathered outside the museum.
Researcher Arama Rata said many supporters waved Palestine flags and chanted "free Palestine".
"Dozens of cars drove in procession around the museum, drivers honking their horns and blaring music."
In a subsequent Instagram post by Auckland Museum on Sunday night, it changed the wording.
"Our thoughts go out to the many civilians impacted as a result of the terrorist attack in Israel a week ago today. As a war memorial, we value the importance of peaceful dialogue and understanding," it said.
"We condemn all acts of violence and terrorism. This evening the museum is lit in blue and white in condemnation and as an expression of hope for peace."
Rata said a "verbal confrontation" unfolded between Palestine supporters and a group of Israel supporters, who are said to have gathered at the foot of the hill below the museum, holding Israel flags.
"Police arrived on the scene at approximately 8pm and diffused the situation."
A police spokesperson said it was made aware and monitored the protest on Sunday evening.
"A number of police were onsite to maintain the peace from about 6:30pm until 9pm, when all the protesters had left."
The spokesperson said there were no reports of injury, and no arrests were made.
"Police continue to monitor the situation overseas and provide reassurance patrols."
The New Zealand Herald spoke with a man who supports Israel and the Jewish community who said things got "heated" between the two groups.
Though not Jewish or from Israel himself, the man told the Herald he has many friends who are still missing.
Rata said by 9pm Auckland Museum turned the lights off, then white lights were turned back on.
"Palestine supporters subsequently covered the lights with red fabric."
Now she's calling on the museum to issue a formal apology to the community.
"Auckland Museum is supposed to be a welcoming place for all members of our community. Their actions tonight have caused deep divisions for people who are already hurting."
Israel Institue of New Zealand shared a post on X saying "Anti-Israel activists try to extinguish an act of support for the 1300+ slaughtered civilians and the 150+ kidnapped by Hamas terrorists".
