NZ Parliament briefly disrupted by protest demanding sanctions on Israel

Parliament was briefly disrupted today as a small group of protesters staged a demonstration from the public gallery, demanding that New Zealand impose sanctions on Israel.

The protest took place just as Question Time was starting. Around 10 people chanted slogans including “Free Palestine” and accused Prime Minister Christopher Luxon of supporting genocide. Leaflets were dropped into the chamber calling for the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador and the cutting of all cultural and academic ties with Israel.

Parliamentary security removed the protesters within minutes. The Speaker described the event as an “impromptu performance”, noting it included “a little bit of poetry, and lots of perforative art,” before proceeding with scheduled questions.

The incident comes amid ongoing public pressure in New Zealand over the government’s stance on Israel and Palestine, including repeated calls for recognition of Palestinian statehood. Despite the demonstrations, the government has so far avoided sanctions or major diplomatic actions, maintaining a cautious position in its Middle East policy.