Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa Condemns New Zealand Defence Minister Judith Collins Over Israeli Genocide in Gaza

Strategic Insights -

The Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa has criticized New Zealand Defence Minister Judith Collins for her reluctance to condemn Israel's actions in Gaza, despite evidence of war crimes against Palestinian civilians. Collins' recent open letter attacking teachers has been seen as an attempt to "drown out Palestine" in discussions with the government. The network's co-chair, Maher Nazzal, has stated that teachers would be appalled by the slaughter of Palestinian schoolchildren in Gaza, with at least 97 killed and 230 wounded since the start of the ceasefire.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa has condemned Judith Collins for her lack of action against Israeli war crimes in Gaza, despite evidence of genocide against Palestinian civilians.
  • Collins' open letter attacking teachers has been seen as an attempt to "drown out Palestine" in discussions with the government.
  • Teachers would be appalled by the slaughter of Palestinian schoolchildren in Gaza, with at least 97 killed and 230 wounded since the start of the ceasefire.
  • Collins has been accused of dog-whistling to the pro-Israel lobby and has been referred to the International Criminal Court in The Hague for complicity in Israel's genocide.
  • The network has called on the New Zealand government to uphold an ethical rule-based policy and not default to blind prejudices.
  • The recent ceasefire in Gaza has been breached 80 times by Israel, according to the Gaza Government Media Office.
  • Collins has been criticized for her silence on Israeli attacks on Palestinian schools, with tens of thousands of children suffering the consequences of two years of malnutrition.
  • The network has highlighted the contrast between Collins' response to the Ukraine conflict and her silence on Israeli actions in Gaza.

Statistics:

  • At least 97 Palestinians have been killed and 230 wounded in Gaza since the start of the ceasefire.
  • Israel has breached the truce agreement 80 times, according to the Gaza Government Media Office.
  • Tens of thousands of Palestinian children have suffered the consequences of two years of malnutrition due to Israeli attacks on their schools.

Sources:

  • Asia Pacific Report
  • The Standard