Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa has joined the condemnation of the attack on Winston Peters’ home.

Co-chair John Minto says it has not yet been clearly established that the attack was motivated as a response to Peters’ refusal to recognise Palestinian rights and sanction Israel for war crimes and genocide.

“If it was, then we can understand the frustration of someone who was outraged by Peters’ indifference to genocide.”

“At the same time a broken window cannot be compared with hundreds of thousands of Palestinians killed by Israel over the past two years and the 75 years of occupation, apartheid and ethnic cleansing which preceded it”

“But a physical attack on a home is wrong and does nothing to help achieve any change for the better in government attitudes.”

“Instead, it will be used by the friends of the Israeli Embassy who want to close down all protests in support of Palestine.”

“That’s what’s happening in the UK, and it’s part of the Netanyahu world playbook to divert attention from Israeli war crimes.”

“Peters regularly meets with Israeli supporters in this country and with the Israeli ambassador, who has praised Peters’ UN speech – the same speech which brought a deep sense of shame and betrayal to most of the country”

“Meanwhile Peters has refused to meet with Palestinian New Zealanders or their supporters.”

Minto says Peters’ attempts to blame protest organisers for inflaming tensions are hypocritical.

“Peters has built a political career out of dog whistle personal attacks on minority, vulnerable groups such as migrants. More than any other politician in recent years he thrives on exploiting community divisions for political gain”

He was labelling anti- genocide protesters ‘bludgers’ a couple of days ago in Dunedin.”

“And he should be in no doubt we will continue to be turning up at his political events to make our views known on the complicit support and political cover he is giving to genocide.”

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