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Palestinian Arabs

New Zealand Government Urged to Intervene on Behalf of Palestinians in Gaza

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The New Zealand government is facing pressure to step in and ensure that PayPal refunds money frozen from accounts sending aid to the occupied Gaza Strip. The Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA) claims that PayPal is complicit in Israel's genocide by restricting access to food aid, which is being used as a weapon to ethnically cleanse Palestinians from the north to the south of Gaza.

The freeze on accounts has affected Wellington-based writer Emily Writes, whose account was recently frozen after she sent money to Gaza. PSNA Co-Chair John Minto has urged Minister of Finance Nicola Willis to intervene and demand that PayPal allows New Zealanders to donate to starving families in Gaza.

Key Takeaways:

  • PSNA is urging the New Zealand government to intervene on behalf of Palestinians in Gaza, citing PayPal's role in freezing accounts sending aid to the occupied territory.
  • The New Zealand government has been accused of not condemning Israel's mass killing and mass starvation of Palestinians, despite growing public pressure.
  • Emily Writes, a Wellington-based writer, had her account frozen after sending money to Gaza, highlighting the impact of PayPal's policies on individuals.
  • PSNA Co-Chair John Minto claims that PayPal is complicit in Israel's genocide by restricting access to food aid, which is being used as a weapon to ethnically cleanse Palestinians.
  • The New Zealand government has the opportunity to demand refunds for frozen accounts and ensure that New Zealanders can continue to donate to Gaza.
  • Minister of Finance Nicola Willis has not yet responded to PSNA's request for intervention.

Statistics:

  • As of 2025, PayPal has frozen an unknown number of accounts sending aid to Gaza, affecting individuals and organizations alike.
  • The New Zealand government has received growing public pressure to condemn Israel's actions in Gaza and ensure that citizens can donation to aid efforts.
  • In 2024, the United Nations reported that over 70% of Palestinians in Gaza relied on aid to survive, highlighting the desperate need for humanitarian assistance.

Sources:

  • Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)
  • New Zealand government
  • Emily Writes
  • John Minto, PSNA Co-Chair

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