The Green Party is calling on Government MPs to support Chlöe Swarbrick's Member's Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence and illegal actions in Palestine, following another day of appalling violence against civilians in Gaza.
"Aotearoa New Zealand cannot remain a bystander to the slaughter of innocent people in Gaza. We can and must act now to sanction Israel for its crimes, just like we did with Russia for its illegal action in Ukraine," says Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick.
"With Green, Te Pāti Māori and Labour's committed support, we now need just six of 68 Government MPs to pass my Unlawful Occupation of Palestine Sanctions Bill into law.
"In just the last 24 hours, Israel's strikes on Gaza have killed at least 400 people, mostly children and women, and left many more injured.
"There's no more time for talk. If we stand for human rights and peace and justice, our Parliament must act.
"In September, Aotearoa joined 123 UN Member States to support a resolution calling for sanctions against those responsible for Israel's 'unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in relation to settler violence.'
"Our Government has since done nothing to fulfil that commitment. Our Unlawful Occupation of Palestine Sanctions Bill starts that very basic process.
"No party leader or whip can stop a Member of Parliament exercising their democratic right to vote how they know they need to on this Bill. There is no more hiding behind party lines. All 123 Members of Parliament are each individually, personally responsible," says Chlöe Swarbrick.
