Gaza breaks out of prison
Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa
7 September 2023
New Zealand government bears heavy responsibility for loss of life of Palestinians and Israelis from the latest fighting in Israel/Palestine today
Whatever the eventual outcome of the Hamas attacks on Israel today, the New Zealand government bears heavy responsibility for the loss of life of Palestinians and Israelis.
Like other western countries New Zealand has failed to hold Israel to account for its multiple crimes, including war crimes, against the Palestinian people, day after day, year after year and decade after decade. We have ignored human rights reports of Israel’s apartheid policies. Our government has been looking the other way.
The Hamas attacks are understandable.
Over recent months western countries have turned a blind eye to the brutality of the Israeli army and settler groups engaging in repeated attacks on Palestinian towns and villages and the killing of civilians and children.
The result is now playing out in more violence initiated by Israel’s brutal occupation – the longest military occupation in modern history. The occupation includes Israel’s 17-year-old blockade of the Gaza strip – the largest open-air prison in the world.
New Zealand must reassess its policy on the Middle East and demand Israel adopt a timetable to implement international law and United Nations resolutions.
John Minto
National Chair
Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa
johnminto@orcon.net.nz
John Minto
John Minto
National Chair
Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa
New Zealand 0220850161
John Minto is also former National Organiser for HART (Halt All Racist Tours) which successfully campaigned to stop rugby contact between New Zealand and apartheid South Africa in the 1970s and 1980s.