The Palestine Forum of New Zealand expresses deep concern
at the Government’s decision to extend the deployment of a
New Zealand Defence Force liaison officer to Israel for a
further eight weeks. At a time when Israel stands before the
International Court of Justice facing credible charges of
genocide, New Zealand must ensure that none of its actions
contribute—directly or indirectly—to the machinery of
oppression, occupation, or military aggression.
The
Government states that the officer’s role is to “provide
informed advice” through the U.S.-led Civil Military
Coordination Centre. However, the continued embedding of
NZDF personnel within structures aligned with Israel’s
military operations risks undermining New Zealand’s
longstanding commitment to international law, human rights,
and an independent foreign policy grounded in
peace.
New Zealand must not allow itself to become
complicit, even symbolically, in actions that support or
legitimise the ongoing atrocities in Gaza. Instead, our
nation should align with the global majority demanding an
immediate and permanent ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian
access, and accountability for war crimes and violations of
the Genocide Convention.
We call on the New Zealand
Government to:
1. Immediately end the NZDF liaison
deployment to Israel.
2. Uphold New Zealand’s
obligations under international law, including the duty to
prevent genocide.
3. Adopt a principled and
independent foreign policy, free from pressure by states
that continue to arm and support Israel’s military
actions.
4. Stand unequivocally with the Palestinian
people in their struggle for freedom, dignity, and
self-determination.
New Zealand must choose the path
of justice. Anything less is a betrayal of the values we
claim to
uphold.
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