Source: Te Kuaka
Progressive foreign policy group Te Kuaka has slammed the Government’s secrecy around New Zealand’s position on Palestinian statehood.
New Zealand has not announced its position yet, with the position reportedly to be announced by Foreign Minister Winston Peters later this week at the United Nations in New York.
Australia, the UK, and Canada yesterday expressed support for Palestinian statehood.
The group Te Kuaka – which has called for independent and more democratic foreign policy – says the New Zealand public deserves to be more involved in this decision.
“This kind of pull-back-the-curtain approach isn’t appropriate for such a momentous decision about where New Zealand stands on the genocide that is occurring in Gaza,” says Gabriella Brayne, a spokesperson for Te Kuaka.
“In no other area of policy would it be acceptable for there to be zero public engagement and for a minister to make such a significant decision without consulting or working with the public,” adds Marco de Jong, convenor and spokesperson for Te Kuaka.
The group says that rallies and actions across the country for two years show a strong public appetite for a firmer position in support of Palestinian rights and against Israel’s actions. Earlier this month, tens of thousands participated in the March for Humanity in Auckland, calling for sanctions on Israel – an action endorsed by over 180 organisations including major unions, and NGOs.
“At this stage, when Israel has not diverted course after various diplomatic criticisms, our view is that only sanctions – which put direct material pressure on Israel and isolate it economically – will make a difference to what is occurring,” adds Brayne.
“Recognising Palestinian statehood on its own is not enough, and objectionable if based on conditions that further Israel’s aims. We call on the Government to impose sanctions on Israel as well as taking other steps to bring the genocide to an end, such as intervening in support of South Africa’s Genocide Convention case, and it is imperative that our foreign policy is more democratic and isn’t just made behind closed doors,” adds de Jong.
Te Kuaka has also produced research, including on building New Zealand’s peace mediation capacity, and undertaken a roadshow of events opposing New Zealand’s involvement in AUKUS.
