Latest news with #PalestineForumofNewZealand
Scoop
7 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
New Zealand Urged To Join Global Coalition Taking Concrete Measures Against Israeli Atrocities
The Palestine Forum of New Zealand is calling on the New Zealand Government to urgently align itself with over twenty nations — including Spain, Ireland, Turkey, China, Qatar, South Africa, and Brazil — that are coordinating concrete international measures in response to Israel's ongoing assault on Gaza. An emergency summit of The Hague Group will take place in Colombia next week, with participating states seeking to enforce the International Court of Justice's binding orders and address grave breaches of international law in Gaza. "More than 58,000 Palestinians — mostly women and children have been killed, and Gaza has been reduced to rubble. The international community is moving decisively, and it's time for New Zealand to take a principled stand,' said Maher Nazzal, spokesperson for the Palestine Forum of New Zealand. New Zealand has a proud legacy of supporting international law and human rights, from opposing apartheid to championing nuclear disarmament. It must now show moral clarity and leadership by joining the growing international coalition demanding an immediate ceasefire, the lifting of the blockade, and full accountability for crimes committed. 'We urge the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to publicly commit to joining this initiative and to represent New Zealand at the upcoming summit. Inaction in the face of atrocity is complicity,' Maher Nazzal added.
Scoop
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
UNERASED Returns: Made In Palestine Exhibition Opens In Auckland
Following the success of UNERASED: The Palestinian Experience, the Palestine Forum of New Zealand is proud to present the second edition of the exhibition series — UNERASED: Made in Palestine. Curated by acclaimed artists Emily Hartley-Skudder and Pinky Fang, with scent installation by Nathan Taare, this exhibition offers a powerful exploration of Palestinian identity, memory, and resistance through contemporary art. Exhibition Details: Venue: 250 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland Dates: 28 June – 12 July Opening Hours: 12pm–6pm | Wednesday to Sunday
Scoop
21-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Palestine Forum Condemns Desecration Of Palestinian Flag By Destiny Church Supporters
The Palestine Forum of NewZealand condemns in the strongest terms the disgraceful and provocative act committed by individuals associated with Destiny Church, who tore up a Palestinian flag and stomped on it. This shameful display is not only deeply offensive to the Palestinian people but also to all those who uphold the values of dignity, justice, and the right to national identity. Such hateful and divisive actions have no place in Aotearoa NewZealand — a country built on principles of diversity, mutual respect, and the protection of all communities' rights to peaceful expression. The Palestinian flag represents resilience, heritage, and a legitimate struggle for freedom and justice. We call on community leaders, human rights advocates, faith communities, and all fair-minded New Zealanders to reject this behaviour and stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people against acts of hatred, provocation, and intolerance.
Scoop
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Ninety-Five NZ Lawyers Speak Up — Palestine Forum Responds
The Palestine Forum of NewZealand notes with deep appreciation the public statement issued today by ninetyfive NewZealand lawyers urging the Government to adopt a stronger stance on Israel amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. We stand in solidarity with these respected members of the legal profession who, in highlighting international law, human rights, and the principles underpinning NewZealand's foreign policy, are calling for moral and political leadership from our nation. Their call comes at a critical juncture: New Zealand's vote at the UN in support of the resolution recommending Israel's withdrawal from occupied territories was a step in the right direction. However, it must now be followed by coherent action—politically, diplomatically, and legally—consistent with our international obligations We concur with the lawyers' analysis: That Israel's occupation of Palestinian land violates international law. That increasing violence and civilian suffering, particularly in Gaza and the West Bank, demand concrete responses. That NewZealand's standing as a principled actor in world affairs calls for both clear condemnation of abuses and active support for measures that uphold international law, including: Support for ICC proceedings and arrest warrants for war crimes suspects; The use of targeted sanctions; Suspension of government contracts and investment ties with entities complicit in occupation; Advocacy for an immediate ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access, and humanitarian visas for Palestinians fleeing conflict. As legal voices within our own legal fraternity have acknowledged, our Government holds not only a right but a duty to lead—ahead of electoral cycles—by placing human rights and international justice at the heart of its foreign policy. We call on the Government to honour these principles by engaging thoughtfully with the lawyers' briefing, committing publicly to concrete measures, and joining the global community in holding violators of international law to account. Today's call by our country's legal community is both timely and courageous. We affirm their voices. And we renew our call for NewZealand to do the same.
Scoop
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Government Must Ensure Safety Of Its Citizens In The Global March To Gaza
The Palestine Forum of New Zealand reminds the government of its duty to protect all New Zealand citizens, wherever they may be. Among those currently participating in the Global March to Gaza are New Zealand citizens who travelled from across the country, alongside others who joined the mission from overseas. The government of NewZealand bears full responsibility for their safety and well-being. In light of escalating risks in international waters and Israeli aggression against humanitarian convoys, we call on the New Zealand Government to immediately take all necessary diplomatic and consular actions to safeguard its citizens and demand their protection in accordance with international law.
