The Palestine Forum of New Zealand expresses its full support for Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick following her ejection from Parliament’s debating chamber and suspension for the remainder of the week after her principled stand on Gaza.

In her speech, Ms Swarbrick called on members of Parliament to show moral courage in the face of the ongoing genocide, ethnic cleansing, and starvation of the Palestinian people. Her words, though uncomfortable for some, reflected the reality of a people enduring over ten months of relentless bombardment, siege, and dispossession.

We commend Ms Swarbrick for refusing to be silenced when speaking truth to power. Her stance embodies the values of justice, humanity, and solidarity, and her removal from the chamber is a stark reminder of how dissent on Palestine is too often suppressed.

The Forum reiterates that calling for an end to war crimes, lifting the blockade, and sanctioning Israel are not radical demands; they are obligations under international law.

We urge all members of Parliament, and indeed all New Zealanders, to stand with Ms Swarbrick and demand that our government:

1. Recognise the State of Palestine without delay.

2. Impose targeted sanctions on those responsible for war crimes.

3. Call unequivocally for an immediate and permanent ceasefire.

The Palestine Forum of New Zealand will continue to speak out alongside those inside and outside Parliament, who refuse to remain silent in the face of injustice.

He who does not thank people does not thank God. We thank Chlöe Swarbrick for her courage, integrity, and unwavering voice for peace and human rights.

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