Saturday, 11 November 2023, 4:41 pm Press Release: ACT New Zealand
“Documents
released by the Israel Institute of NZ appear to show a
final moral failing by Nanaia Mahuta that casts shame on
behalf of all New Zealand,” says ACT Deputy Leader and
Foreign Affairs spokesperson Brooke van
Velden.
“When Hamas began attacks on Israel, Mahuta
was advised by MFAT that she should
tweet:
‘Aotearoa New Zealand [flag] unequivocally
condemns rocket and terror attacks from Gaza into Israel and
calls for their immediate cessation. With a high risk of
escalation, the protection of civilians, and upholding of
international humanitarian law is
essential.’
“Mahuta rejected this advice,
instead tweeting:
'Aotearoa New Zealand [flag] is
deeply concerned at the outbreak of conflict between Israel
and Gaza. We call for the immediate cessation of violence.
The protection of all civilians, and upholding of
international humanitarian law is
essential.'
“She was later overruled by Prime
Minister Chris Hipkins, and issued a stronger statement more
in line with the original advice from MFAT.
“Mahuta
had a clear option to denounce barbaric aggression but chose
not to. Why? She needs to explain these actions on her last
day as Minister. She owes New Zealand that
much.
“The situation in the Middle East is horrific,
and New Zealand’s influence over that horrific situation
is limited to its moral authority. When our Foreign Minister
cannot make clear moral judgements, even when the right
thing to do is literally spelled out to her, it harms our
whole
country.”
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