Palestinians continue to suffer amid Israeli assault.
The New Zealand Government has faced criticism from Labour for its lack of action in response to the ongoing Israeli assault on Gaza. Hundreds more Palestinians have lost their lives in recent days, with humanitarian aid including food and medicine being blocked.
Labour's foreign affairs spokesperson David Parker called for stronger action from the Government, urging it to intervene in South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice and implement measures such as creating a special visa for family members of New Zealanders fleeing Gaza. Labour has also proposed an end to government procurement from companies operating in occupied territories and sanctioning individuals breaching international law.
The criticism highlights the Government's apparent inconsistency in upholding international law, particularly given its previous support for UN views condemning Israel's occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem as illegal. The Labour Party has been calling for more substantial action from the Government, rather than mere words, to stand up for what is right.
The New Zealand Government was criticized by David Parker for taking no action despite a statement made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs last year that it was only a matter of time before New Zealand would recognize Palestine. The inaction has been described as 'beyond words' by Labour.