ReliefAid urges Prime Minister Luxon and Foreign Minister Peters, to take stronger action in response to the worsening crisis in Gaza.
In May, we called for economic and political action from the New Zealand Government to end the suffering, halt the disproportionate attacks on families in Gaza, secure unfettered humanitarian access, and ensure a return of all hostages. We did not received a response.
Since then, the situation has only deteriorated. Over 850,000 people have received our assistance in Gaza, but humanitarian conditions are collapsing and seven of our team members have lost their lives.
We welcome New Zealand’s decision to impose sanctions on Israeli leaders and join the latest international statement calling for an immediate end to the war, signalling a willingness to take further action.
But words are not enough. Words of condemnation mean nothing to the suffering families in Gaza.
In our new letter, we call on the Government to back those words with action.
New Zealand must not look away.
Read the letter below…
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Dear Prime Minister Luxon and Minister Peters,
On 23 May this year, I wrote to encourage the New Zealand Government to take stronger, immediate action in response to the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza. I want to acknowledge and commend the recent step taken by the Government to impose sanctions on Israeli leaders – an important signal of New Zealand’s commitment to international peace and accountability.
As the situation in Gaza deteriorates further, I am writing again to reiterate the urgent need for additional, stronger action.
ReliefAid is one of the only New Zealand-founded organisations delivering life-saving aid in Gaza. Since October 2023, we have supported over 850,000 people in Gaza and tragically lost seven team members to the conflict. We are witnessing first-hand indiscriminate and relentless attacks on civilians, including those sheltering in so-called “safe” zones or trying to access weaponised aid through the US-Israeli backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. This coupled with critical water shortages, widespread forced starvation and a total collapse of the health system means Gaza is the humanitarian crisis of our time.
Israel’s plans to take full control of Gaza and forcibly move civilians to a “humanitarian city” in Rafah raise grave concerns for the safety of our staff, their families, and all people in the region. This cannot happen under the watch of the international community. We have a responsibility to act.
We fully recognise the complex geopolitical context, and that New Zealand’s ability to influence outcomes is constrained. However, we urge the Government to apply stronger economic and political pressure to end the suffering, halt the disproportionate attacks on families in Gaza, secure unfettered humanitarian access, and ensure the return of all hostages.
Specifically, we encourage the Government to:
- Take further diplomatic, economic, and political action regarding Israel in light of the ongoing crisis;
- Sign the Unlawful Occupation of Palestine Sanctions Bill currently before Parliament;
- Formally join the International Court of Justice genocide case brought by South Africa, in line with New Zealand’s commitments under Article 1 of the Genocide Convention.
Thank you for the action the Government has already taken. As a New Zealander and as a humanitarian, I hope we all continue to play a principled role working towards a peaceful resolution in Gaza. I welcome the opportunity to meet and discuss how New Zealand might continue to support efforts to bring an end to the suffering in Gaza and ensure aid can reach those who need it most.
Yours Sincerely
Mike Seawright