Nelson Peace Group Calls on NZ Government to Condemn Israeli Air Strikes

Media Statement
Monday, 29 December 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Nelson Peace Group is shocked at the disproportionate amount of force used by the Israeli military against Palestine in Gaza over the last few days.

We formally call on John Key and the New Zealand Government to state our country’s disapproval, in the strongest terms possible to the Israeli Government. We support our Government withdrawing all ties and support of Israel immediately. Israel has failed to implement international law, including humanitarian law, and UN resolutions concerning Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories.

The death of one Israeli civilian does not justify this excessive use of military power against innocent civilians including women, children and international aid workers.

We believe a humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Gaza from which women, children and an entire civil society may never recover.

At the same time, we do not condone the actions of Palestine in retaliation against innocent Israeli people. All violent actions must cease in the whole region, including those of legitimate protest.

Nelson Peace Group Secretary, Anne FitzSimon, says “We are sickened by the disproportionate level of violence by Israel with the complete disregard of any peace process in the Middle East”. Ms FitzSimon says “we believe all violent actions must cease by all sides in the Middle East immediately”.

On Tuesday 30 December, the public are welcome to join Nelson Peace Group on the Church Steps, Trafalgar St at 12 noon, where the Group will hold a candle vigil. A letter to John Key will be available to sign by attendees.

ENDS

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