As US Jerusalem Embassy Opens: Dozens Killed, Hundreds Injured By Israeli Fire In Gaza
Responding to reports that dozens of Palestinians have been killed and hundreds injured by the Israeli military during protests along the fence that separates Gaza and Israel today, Philip Luther, Research and Advocacy Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International, said:
“This is another horrific example of the Israeli military using excessive force and live ammunition in a totally deplorable way. This is a violation of international standards, in some instances committing what appear to be wilful killings constituting war crimes.” “Today’s footage from Gaza is extremely troubling, and as violence continues to spiral out of control, the Israeli authorities must immediately rein in the military to prevent the further loss of life and serious injuries.
“Only last month, Amnesty International called on the international community to stop the delivery of arms and military equipment to Israel. The rising toll of deaths and injuries today only serves to highlight the urgent need for an arms embargo.
“While some protesters may have engaged in some form of violence, this still does not justify the use of live ammunition.
“Under international law, firearms can only be used to protect against an imminent threat of death or serious injury.”
Early medical reports from Gaza today indicate that dozens of people have been shot in the head or chest. Amnesty International last month documented research from the Gaza Strip that showed the Israeli military were killing and maiming demonstrators who pose no imminent threat to them.
- Greens – Green Party condemns slaughter in Gaza
- Embassy of Israel in Wellington – Embassy of Israel in Wellington – Gaza border
- United Nations – Gaza: Avoid further bloodshed, UN chief urges – UN Sec-General’s Spokesman on situation in the Middle East – Israel must address excessive use of force, Zeid says – Statement on Israel by the CERD
- Committee to Protect Journalists – Seven journalists injured by gunfire in Gaza protests
- South African Govt – South Africa withdraws its Ambassador to Israel
- Euro-Med Monitor – Report warns against Israel’s use of explosive bullets
- Palestine Solidarity Network – Time to Take Action Against Israel’s Massacre in Gaza – New Zealand must boycott the US embassy opening in Jerusalem
- Palestine Human Rights Campaign – Israel Institute repeats falsehoods on Iran
- Auckland Peace Action – Wall of Noise protest to shut down Israeli propaganda event
- Peace Action Wellington – Doc Edge film interrupted in Wellington – Doc Edge Festival supporting apartheid Israel – protest
- Out-Link – Police called to Israel PM doco screening
- Joint Press Release – There’s no hiding the occupation
- Ramzy Baroud – Eclipsing Factionalism: The Missing Story from Gaza – My Home is Beit Daras: Our Lingering Nakba – Ramzy Baroud’s NZ speaking tour itinerary
- Franklin Lamb – Palestinian refugees suffer setback in Lebanon’s Election
- Israel Institute – Kiwis mark strong ties with Israel – Israel Institute urge NZ on Iran Nuclear Programme
- Flaxmere Christian Fellowship – Israel Rally in Hastings
The NZ Government:
https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/political/357403/nz-condemns-israel-s-actions-along-gaza-border
“Ms Ardern was asked for her view on comments made by Palestinian ambassador to the UN Riyadh Mansour, who said the Israeli action violated international law.
“It is the right of any nation to defend their border but this is a devastating, one-sided loss of life; we would condemn the violence that has occurred,” Ms Ardern said.
“And I think it’s plain to see the effects of this decision and the ramifications are wide reaching.”
The Green Party has come out strongly against Israeli armed forces for being responsible for the “murder” of a least 53 civilians.
“As predicted the opening of Donald Trump’s confrontational embassy in Jerusalem has fanned flames of conflict and death,” Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson said.
“Rather than being a step towards peace the embassy opening has acted as a flash point in the conflict and has been used by the Israeli government to justify their massacre of Palestinians.”
Ms Davidson said the “slaughter” was evidence that President Trump’s move made peace less likely, and life more dangerous for those living in Gaza.”
Condemning the violence, but not taking sides, that is in short what Jacinda Ardern said, while Marama Davidson uses clearer language.
I note nothing coming from NZ First. But Winston Peters appears to have ‘raised concerns’ directly with the Israeli Embassy, as Foreign Minister, at least.