New Zealand's Labour party has announced its support for the Christchurch City Council's decision to boycott businesses involved in Israel's settlements in the Occupied Territories.
The move comes after the International Court of Justice ruled that international aid and assistance should be withdrawn from the settlements. Labour is urging the government to follow suit, calling on the Super Fund and ACC to divest from companies listed by the United Nations as complicit in building or maintaining the settlements. The party also wants the government's procurement rules to prohibit future dealings with these firms.
Labour associate foreign affairs spokesperson Phil Twyford said the Christchurch City Council decision sets a precedent for other councils to follow. He condemned Israel's actions, calling them a breach of international law. The Labour party is pushing for an end to Israeli violence in Gaza and a political solution that allows for a Palestinian state.
The decision has sparked debate on how far New Zealand should go in taking action against the settlements, but Labour argues it's time for the international community to take a stand against Israel's actions.