Prime Minister Chris Hipkins bows to US pressure and does not call for “de-escalation/ceasefire,” an “end to violence/bloodshed” or “restoring calm” in
Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa
17 October 2023
Media Release:
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins bows to US pressure and does not call for “de-escalation/ceasefire,” an “end to violence/bloodshed” or “restoring calm” in Gaza
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has capitulated to US pressure and did not use any phrase which would “urge calm” in the Gaza/Israel war when he made his announcement of $5 million in humanitarian aid to the war zone (Hipkins statement is copied in full below)
The Huffington Post has reported:
In messages circulated on Friday, State Department staff wrote that high-level officials do not want press materials to include three specific phrases: “de-escalation/ceasefire,” “end to violence/bloodshed” and “restoring calm.”
(The US State Department thinks those statements will work to restrain Israel. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken even deleted a post he made which mentioned Turkey’s calls for a ceasefire)
The message was aimed at US officials but clearly has been communicated to MFAT officials here because Prime Minister Hipkins’ statement, which we called “cowardly and shameful” is a shocking capitulation to US interests.
In the statement there isn’t a single reference to “de-escalation”, “ceasefire”, “end to violence or bloodshed” or “restoring calm”. Hipkins just says New Zealand is “deeply saddened”.
Now we know why.
The people of New Zealand want an end to the violence, an end to the killing. We want a ceasefire, we want de-escalation and we want an end to the bloodshed. We want an end to the slaughter of Palestinians in Gaza. We want to “urge for calm”.
Where is our independent foreign policy?
Over 2,800 Palestinian civilians have been killed so far and over 700 children.
How many more children is Prime Minister Hipkins prepared to see killed before he calls for a ceasefire or an end to the bloodshed?
Tellingly, in his first statement on the war on 8 October, before the US State Department memo went out, the Prime Minister did call for “restraint”. But nothing of that sort now (The PM’s first statement is also copied in full below as an appendix)
This is a humiliating day to be a New Zealander.
We want an apology from Prime Minister Chris Hipkins to New Zealanders and a New Zealand government call for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the violence and bloodshed.
John Minto
National Chair
Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa
0220850161
Government statement on 17 October 2023
17 October 2023
New Zealand provides humanitarian support to Israel and Gaza
The New Zealand Government is providing $5 million in funding following appeals to address urgent humanitarian needs in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank.
“New Zealand is deeply saddened by the loss of life and devastation in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories,” Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said.
“The situation continues to evolve rapidly, and New Zealand is joining other like minded countries to support those civilians and communities affected by the conflict.
“We’re making an initial contribution of $2.5 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to help meet humanitarian needs in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank.
“The ICRC protects and assists victims of armed conflicts under international humanitarian law, and is working to gain access to people held hostage, distributing cash and other assistance to displaced people, and providing essential medical assistance and supplies.
“We’re also contributing an initial $2.5 million to the World Food Programme (WFP) under the umbrella of the United Nations appeal.
“This will help address major food insecurity concerns in Gaza and the West Bank, including through the positioning of emergency food stock ready for distribution once access is guaranteed.
“New Zealand calls for rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access to enable the delivery of crucial life-saving assistance. We call on all parties to respect international humanitarian law, and uphold their obligations to protect civilians, and humanitarian workers, including medical personnel,” Chris Hipkins said.
Both the ICRC and WFP act with full independence and neutrality.
The Government has also requested that NZDF remain on standby to assist with the evacuation of New Zealanders if required.
Many of the 244 New Zealanders still registered as being in Israel have now departed the country. MFAT’s focus is now on approximately 50 people we understand are still in Israel. There is no reason to be concerned about their welfare at this stage but MFAT have made contact to clarify if any require assistance.
“Commercial routes remain the best option to depart the region, and MFAT is actively providing consular assistance to New Zealanders who remain in the affected region. Anyone who wishes to depart should take the earliest commercial opportunity to do so,” Chris Hipkins said.
“While not everyone wanting to leave can necessarily get themselves to a departure point, the Government has requested NZDF to remain on standby to deploy if necessary.
“We continue to work closely with partners on evacuation options for those who cannot access commercial routes, but the security situation on the ground make this difficult,” Chris Hipkins said.
New Zealand's contribution was determined following consultation with the Leader of the Opposition.
Government statement on 8 October 2023
Statement on the escalation of violence in Israel and Gaza
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins today expressed grave concern at the escalation of violence in Israel and Gaza.
“New Zealand condemns unequivocally the terror attacks led by Hamas on Israel. We are appalled by the targeting of civilians, and the taking of hostages which violate fundamental international humanitarian law principles,” Chris Hipkins said.
“New Zealand has designated the military wing of Hamas as a terrorist organisation, and we recognise Israel’s right to defend itself.”
“We are very concerned that the situation will escalate in the coming days and New Zealand again calls for restraint, the protection of non-combatants, and the upholding of international humanitarian law by all parties.”
New Zealanders in Israel are advised to remain security conscious; monitor local media and stay informed of developments; register on SafeTravel and, if you require consular assistance, contact the New Zealand 24/7 Consular Emergency Line on +64 99 20 20 20.
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.