Netanyahu’s race hatred must not be allowed to condemn tens of thousands of Palestinians to death.

Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

24 March 2020

To New Zealand editors and reporters

Kia ora koutou e hoa mā,

Netanyahu’s race hatred must not be allowed to condemn tens of thousands of Palestinians to death.

We understand you are all heavily involved in reporting on the Covid 19 impact on New Zealand. No problem with that.

When you do have the chance however, you have a duty to look at the situation in Gaza where New Zealand and other countries have a moral responsibility to act in the face of a looming human catastrophe.

The prospect of coronavirus ripping through the two million people crammed in an intensely overcrowded area where 97% of the water is undrinkable and medical facilities are primitive at best is a recipe for a human catastrophe.

The United Nations is warning of frightening consequences of coronavirus taking hold in Gaza.

Under International law Israel is responsible for the health services in GAZA but the Israeli government will not act without intense international pressure.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Palestinians are “an existential threat” to Israel and that “the only way to treat Palestinians is to beat them up, not once but repeatedly, beat them up until its unbearable”

Netanyahu’s race hatred must not be allowed to condemn tens of thousands of Palestinians to death.

We can suggest medical personnel in Gaza who can speak directly with New Zealand media. Give me a call.

In the meantime many prominent New Zealanders are calling on the government to act. The “combined organisations” letter and some key signatories can be read here.

Signatories so far include:

Cardinal John Dew
Catholic Archbishop of Wellington

Philip Richardson
Bishop, Diocese of Waikato and Taranaki
Archbishop and Primate
Anglican Church of Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia

Jennifer Ward-Lealand
President Equity New Zealand
New Zealander of the Year 2020 

Jeremy Rose, Marilyn Garson and Fred Albert
Members of Sh'ma Koleinu - Alternative Jewish Voices
(Marilyn worked in Gaza 2011 to 2015)

Anjum Rahman
Islamic Women’s Council of New Zealand

Julie Webb-Pullman
(Julie is a Kiwi who has lived and worked in Gaza since 2011)

Mike Treen
National Director Unite Union
Convenor Global Peace and Justice Aotearoa

Syd Keepa
Maori Vice-President of the Council of Trade Unions

Kevin McBride
Pax Christi

John Minto
National Chair
Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa
johnminto@orcon.net.nz
0220850161