New Zealand's Green Party has launched a Member’s Bill aiming to sanction Israel for its presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
The bill, introduced by co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick, seeks to impose sanctions on Israeli officials and assets related to arms sales. The move comes as the All Out For Gaza rally reaches Parliament, with Swarbrick stating that "our Parliament can and must act to stop merciless violence against the Palestinian people."
The bill has already gained support from Te Pāti Māori MPs, with Labour MPs actively considering backing it. Swarbrick hopes government party leaders will allow their MPs to exercise their consciences on the matter.
New Zealand joined 123 other UN member states in September 2024 in supporting a resolution calling for sanctions against Israel due to its "unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in relation to settler violence." The bill implements an initial sanctions framework targeting Israeli officials and assets.