October 13, 2023
Continued oppression at heart of Gaza flare up
Māori Party co-leader Debbie Ngarewa Packer says Western countries are in denial about the long term aggression by Israel against its Palestinian populations.
New Zealand has condemned unequivocally the attacks by Hamas militants including the targeting of civilians and the taking of hostages.
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins says New Zealand recognises Israel’s right to defend itself, but New Zealand calls for restraint and the protection of non-combatants.
Meanwhile Israel is bombing Gaza and calling up 350,000 reservists for a land invasion.
Ms Ngarewa-Packer says as an uri of Parihaka she condemns violence, and she’s also aware of the continued persecution of colonisation and the intergenerational trauma and extremism it produces.
“What we are seeing unfold is a really tough, revolting time and it reminds us all of what our roles are, to continue to fight for peace and to continue to make sure the oppressors understand the consequences of long term oppression and what it brings about,” Mr Ngarewa Packer