Source: Palestine Forum of New Zealand (PFNZ)
Today, on the United Nations’ International Day of Peace, the Palestine Forum of New Zealand (PFNZ) joins people around the world in calling for an end to war, violence, and injustice.
This year’s theme is a stark reminder that peace is more than the absence of conflict — it is the presence of freedom, dignity, and justice. For Palestinians, however, peace remains an unfulfilled promise. Over seven decades of dispossession, ongoing occupation, daily violence, and apartheid policies have denied Palestinians the most basic right to live in peace.
“The world cannot talk about peace while ignoring the injustice inflicted on Palestine,” said Maher Nazzal. “We call on the New Zealand government and the international community to act with courage and clarity: there can be no peace without ending Israel’s occupation, lifting the siege on Gaza, and recognising Palestine’s right to self-determination.”
PFNZ stresses that New Zealand’s proud history of standing for justice, from opposing apartheid in South Africa to championing nuclear disarmament, demands that we also speak up for Palestine today.
On this International Day of Peace, we urge New Zealanders to:
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Support efforts for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza.
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Call on our government to recognise the State of Palestine.
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Stand in solidarity with Palestinians striving for freedom and justice.
True peace will only come when Palestine is free.
Maher Nazzal
Palestine Forum of New Zealand
