Gaza: Isn't it about time?

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Last week Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa sent the government a “letter of demand” over its complicity with Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza.

With this letter we are signalling our intention to pursue legal accountability for the government, and key government ministers, for their roles in failing to uphold New Zealand’s legal responsibilities under the Genocide Convention which requires the government to take action to “prevent and punish the crime of genocide”.

We are asking individuals and organisations to endorse the letter. The letter, with more detail on the background to it, can be viewed here: SIgn the letter here!

Zionist Dickhead of the Day Award goes to Whangarei District Council Mayor Vince Cocurullo

Join me in adding Whangarei to the BDS list!!!

MEDIA RELEASE — PALESTINE SOLIDARITY NETWORK WHANGĀREI
Thursday 19th June 2024
 Whangārei District Mayor shuts down councillors’ motion to call for a ceasefire in Gaza
 
Wednesday 19th June, the Whangārei District Mayor overrode a council motion that was to be tabled at the full council meeting on the 27th June. The motion was put forth by five of the thirteen Whangārei District councilors, and addresses a ceasefire and humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza.
 
The same day, a local petition with 1075 signatures was presented to the Whangārei District Council by the Palestinian Solidarity Network Whangārei (PSNW). The petitions were collected over just 13 days and were also accompanied by 18 letters of support from local businesses, faith groups and community groups. The petition expressed support for the motion and called for it to be adopted by council.

The Palestine Solidarity Network Whangārei (PSNW), and other local residents say they strongly reject the Mayor's actions and are concerned about the power to stop debate over an issue felt deeply by the people of Whangārei.
 
PSNW spokesperson Tim Howard says “This seems an affront to the democratic process. Over 1000 individual signatories have signed a petition supporting this motion asking for Council to be the voice of the community when speaking to central Government on this issue.”
 
The motion that had been signalled called for Council to urge Central Government: to more strongly show their support and call for peace in Palestine and Israel; to call for an immediate permanent ceasefire in Gaza; to call for immediate international humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza; to condemn all acts of violence and terror against civilians on both sides of the war in Gaza; and to call for the immediate return of all hostages, Israeli and Palestinian.
 
Other local bodies throughout Australia, the US and Aotearoa have already passed similar motions including the Far North District Council, Whanganui District Council, Waiheke Community Board and Environment Canterbury.
 
The Mayor justifies blocking this motion, using the Local Government Act as reasoning, and inferring that Councils can only address local matters.
 
Tim Howard says “It is the PSNW’s understanding that the choice to allow debate on issues such as this, actually lies in the discretion of the Mayor.  We also understand that this decision is in fact in opposition to the main purposes of Local Government Act 2022; (a) to enable democratic local decision-making and action by, and on behalf of, communities; and (b) to promote the social, economic, environmental, and cultural well-being of communities in the present and for the future”.

PSNW is concerned about the community impact, and the messages it sends to the nation about our community. The cultural and social wellbeing of Palestinian members of the Whangarei community is an aspect for which Council is responsible.
 
PSNW also circulated letters to the Councillors referring to the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act and the observance of human rights and the condemnation of acts which breach those rights, namely acts of violence and terror against civilians, as an important pillar of our democracy, enshrined in the Act.

PSNW member Clare Maguire says: “Ordinary citizens are outraged that over 37,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed over the past eight months, including some 8,000 children. Two thirds of these casualties are women and children, and the vast majority are non-combatants. Our people are really angry about that, and wish to see stronger actions from our Government towards ending this war”

Despite the Mayor's actions, the Palestine Solidarity Network Whangārei will continue to raise public awareness and support for Palestine saying:
 
“We condemn this undemocratic move by the Mayor, and look for stronger, multilateral approaches to democracy. Many of us feel the people of Whangārei deserve the opportunity for this motion to be heard, and the people of Palestine deserve more support out of our common humanity.”
 
If you would like to protest directly to the Mayor of Whangarei then email mayor@wdc.govt.nz or phone 021 438 952