The Palestine Forum of New Zealand expresses deep concern at the Government’s decision to extend the deployment of a New Zealand Defence Force liaison officer to Israel for a further eight weeks. At a time when Israel stands before the International Court of Justice facing credible charges of genocide, New Zealand must ensure that none of its actions contribute—directly or indirectly—to the machinery of oppression, occupation, or military aggression.
The Government states that the officer’s role is to “provide informed advice” through the U.S.-led Civil Military Coordination Centre. However, the continued embedding of NZDF personnel within structures aligned with Israel’s military operations risks undermining New Zealand’s longstanding commitment to international law, human rights, and an independent foreign policy grounded in peace.
New Zealand must not allow itself to become complicit, even symbolically, in actions that support or legitimise the ongoing atrocities in Gaza. Instead, our nation should align with the global majority demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian access, and accountability for war crimes and violations of the Genocide Convention.
We call on the New Zealand Government to:
1. Immediately end the NZDF liaison deployment to Israel.
2. Uphold New Zealand’s obligations under international law, including the duty to prevent genocide.
3. Adopt a principled and independent foreign policy, free from pressure by states that continue to arm and support Israel’s military actions.
4. Stand unequivocally with the Palestinian people in their struggle for freedom, dignity, and self-determination.
New Zealand must choose the path of justice. Anything less is a betrayal of the values we claim to uphold.