Latest news with #PalestineForumofNewZealand
Scoop
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Palestine Forum Of New Zealand Calls For Safe Passage Of Madleen And Urgent Sanctions Against Israel
The Palestine Forum of New Zealand strongly condemns the violent interception of the Madleen, a civilian aid vessel attempting to deliver essential humanitarian aid to the besieged people of Gaza, by the Israeli military. We demand the immediate safe passage of the vessel and call upon the New Zealand Government to urgently implement meaningful sanctions against Israel for its ongoing war crimes and illegal occupation of Palestine. 'The Madleen was carrying life-saving aid to a population enduring unimaginable suffering under Israel's illegal siege. Its interception is a flagrant violation of international law and a direct attack on humanitarian principles,' said a spokesperson for the Palestine Forum of New Zealand. The unlawful blockade of Gaza — now in its 18th year — has turned the region into what human rights organisations have described as the world's largest open-air prison. The systematic denial of aid, food, water, fuel, and medical supplies is part of Israel's ongoing campaign of collective punishment against the Palestinian people. Palestine Forum of New Zealand reiterates the following urgent demands: Immediate safe passage for the Madleen and all humanitarian vessels to Gaza. The New Zealand Government is to impose targeted sanctions against Israel, including an end to military, economic, and diplomatic cooperation. Support for the Unlawful Occupation of Palestine Sanctions Bill and pressure on Parliament to prioritise it for debate. Active support for international legal mechanisms, including the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court, to hold Israel accountable for its war crimes and crimes against humanity. 'Aotearoa cannot remain silent while innocent people are bombed, starved, and denied medical care. New Zealand has a proud history of standing on the side of justice — from opposing apartheid in South Africa to advocating for nuclear-free policies. It's time our government showed the same moral courage for Palestine,' the spokesperson added. The Palestine Forum of New Zealand stands in unwavering solidarity with the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the Madleen crew, and the people of Gaza. It will continue to amplify the call for justice, dignity, and the right of return for all Palestinians.
Scoop
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Nine Aid Trucks Are Not Enough: The Occupying State's Token Gesture In Gaza Must Be Condemned
Press Release – Palestine Forum of New Zealand The humanitarian crisis in Gaza demands immediate, full, and unhindered access to food, water, medical supplies, and shelter for all areas of the Strip. In a clear act of defiance against international humanitarian obligations, the occupying state has permitted only nine aid trucks to enter the Gaza Strip — covering both the devastated north and south. This paltry number of trucks represents a deliberate and cynical attempt to circumvent global decisions calling for unrestricted humanitarian access. Under the guise of permitting aid, this token gesture is being used to claim compliance while continuing to suffocate more than two million Palestinians trapped under siege. It is a tactic designed to deflect international criticism and ease diplomatic pressure without meaningfully alleviating the catastrophic conditions faced by civilians. This is not aid — it is manipulation. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza demands immediate, full, and unhindered access to food, water, medical supplies, and shelter for all areas of the Strip. The international community must see through these performative measures and act decisively. We call on governments, humanitarian agencies, and civil society around the world to intensify public and political pressure on the occupying state. It is imperative that world leaders hold it accountable for its ongoing violations and demand an end to the blockade, the siege, and these deceptive, life-threatening tactics. Every minute of delay costs lives. Nine trucks are not enough. Gaza needs justice, not crumbs.
Scoop
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Commemorating 77 Years Of The Palestinian Nakba: A Call For Justice, Memory, And Solidarity
On 15 May 2025, Palestinians and their allies around the world mark Nakba Day, commemorating 77 years since the catastrophic displacement of over 750,000 Palestinians from their homes in 1948. Known as al-Nakba, or 'the Catastrophe,' this moment in history saw the systematic destruction of Palestinian villages, towns, and society — a tragedy whose consequences are still being felt today. For Palestinians, the Nakba is not confined to history books; it is a lived and ongoing reality. Millions remain refugees and exiles, denied their internationally recognised right of return, while those in the occupied Palestinian territories and within historic Palestine continue to endure military occupation, siege, and systematic oppression. "Nakba Day is a solemn reminder of both the injustice that befell the Palestinian people in 1948 and the ongoing violations of their rights to this day," said Maher Nazzal, spokesperson for the Palestine Forum of New Zealand. "It is a call to the international community — including here in Aotearoa — to stand with Palestinians in their struggle for freedom, justice, and self-determination." This year's commemoration comes amid intensified violence in Gaza, relentless settlement expansion in the West Bank, and a growing humanitarian catastrophe. The Palestine Forum of New Zealand calls on the New Zealand government to uphold its moral and legal responsibilities by advocating for an end to the occupation, supporting the right of return for refugees, and taking decisive action against ongoing violations of international law. "The Nakba is not a chapter of the past — it is a continuing story of dispossession and resistance," Nazzal added. "We urge all people of conscience to honour the memory of the Nakba by standing in solidarity with Palestine today."
Scoop
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Aotearoa New Zealand Stands In Solidarity: Keffiyeh Day, May 11, 2025 Announced
Communities across Aotearoa New Zealand are coming together to mark Keffiyeh Day on May 11, 2025 — a day of solidarity, cultural pride, and resistance in support of the Palestinian people. On this day, people from all walks of life are encouraged to wear the iconic Palestinian keffiyeh (scarf) — a symbol of resilience, identity, and resistance — to raise awareness about the ongoing struggle for justice and human rights in Palestine. Keffiyeh Day is more than a cultural celebration; it is a powerful statement of unity. In workplaces, schools, universities, and public spaces, New Zealanders will proudly don the keffiyeh to amplify Palestinian voices and stand against oppression and injustice. 'The keffiyeh has become a global emblem of solidarity. In wearing it, we honour Palestinian heritage and reaffirm our collective commitment to justice, freedom, and dignity for all,' said Maher Nazzal, chair of the Palestine Forum of New Zealand. Events on the Day Include: Community gatherings and photo calls Workplace and campus solidarity actions Educational workshops and cultural displays A nationwide social media campaign using the hashtag #KeffiyehDayNZ Organized by the Palestine Forum of New Zealand, Keffiyeh Day is part of a growing global movement to keep Palestine visible on the international stage and ensure that Palestinian narratives continue to be heard. We warmly invite individuals, community groups, organizations, and public figures across Aotearoa to participate in Keffiyeh Day 2025 and show their solidarity.
Scoop
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Statement From The Palestine Forum Of New Zealand: A Message To Pope Leo XIV
The Palestine Forum of New Zealand extends its heartfelt congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on his election as the 267th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. We recognize this moment as a significant chapter in the Church's history, and we pray that His Holiness will be a voice of courage, justice, and compassion for all oppressed peoples, especially in Palestine. We remember with deep gratitude how the late Pope Francis stood by the Christians of Gaza in their darkest hours, calling them nightly until his final moments to offer prayers and words of hope. That extraordinary act of solidarity was a message not only to the Christians of Gaza but to all Palestinians: their suffering is seen, and their humanity is sacred. Today, we call upon His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to continue this noble legacy — to be a steadfast advocate for peace, justice, and the dignity of the Palestinian people, including the Christian communities under siege in Gaza. From Aotearoa New Zealand, we reaffirm our solidarity with all those who work for justice, peace, and the protection of human dignity.
