Genocide in Gaza

Written By: - Date published: 8:49 pm, January 7th, 2024 - 57 comments
Categories: Christopher Luxon, gaza, israel, Joe Biden, Judith Collins, law, Palestine, Peace, Ukraine, winston peters, Zionism - Tags:

South Africa has taken a case that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza to the International Court of Justice. A group of prominent New Zealand lawyers have asked the New Zealand Government to join South Africa in support of their application. I think we should.

South Africa’s application lists the following reasons:

…more gravely still, Israel has engaged in, is engaging in and risks further engaging in genocidal acts against the Palestinian people in Gaza. Those acts include killing them, causing them serious mental and bodily harm and deliberately inflicting on them conditions of life calculated to bring about their physical destruction as a group. Repeated statements by Israeli State representatives, including at the highest levels, by the Israeli President, Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence express genocidal intent. That intent is also properly to be inferred from the nature and conduct of Israel’s military operation in Gaza, having regard inter alia to Israel’s failure to provide or ensure essential food, water, medicine, fuel, shelter and other humanitarian assistance for the besieged and blockaded Palestinian people, which has pushed them to the brink of famine.

It is also clear from the nature, scope and extent of Israel’s military attacks on Gaza, which have involved the sustained bombardment over more than 11 weeks of one of the most densely populated places in the world, forcing the evacuation of 1.9 million people or 85% of the population of Gaza from their homes and herding them into ever smaller areas, without adequate shelter, in which they continue to be attacked, killed and harmed. Israel has now killed in excess of 21,110 named Palestinians,including over 7,729 children — with over 7,780 others missing, presumed dead under the rubble —and has injured over 55,243 other Palestinians, causing them severe bodily and mental harm. Israel has also laid waste to vast areas of Gaza, including entire neighbourhoods, and has damaged or destroyed in excess of 355,000 Palestinian homes, alongside extensive tracts of agricultural land, bakeries, schools,universities, businesses, places of worship, cemeteries, cultural and archaeological sites, municipal and court buildings, and critical infrastructure, including water and sanitation facilities and electricity networks, while pursuing a relentless assault on the Palestinian medical and healthcare system. Israel has reduced and is continuing to reduce Gaza to rubble, killing, harming and destroying its people, and creating conditions of life calculated to bring about their physical destruction as a group.

The New Zealand lawyers’ letter is addressed to Ministers Luxon, Peters, Collins and Goldsmith. It says inter alia:

We are writing to urge the New Zealand government to support South Africa’s request to the International Court of Justice for provisional measures regarding Israel’s genocidal actions in Gaza.
South Africa’s comprehensive submissions set out compelling prima facie arguments that what is occurring in Gaza is capable of falling within the Genocide Convention, and why it is important that South Africa raises these arguments to uphold the integrity of the Convention. It has asked for the Court to make interim orders and the hearing is scheduled for 11 and 12 January 2024, where Israel will be opposing the arguments.
We understand the diplomatic sensitivities involved in these proceedings. But New Zealand has a long history of supporting the work of the International Court of Justice: New Zealand called for its establishment, took a request for provisional measures successfully over nuclear testing in 1973, and until recently had a judge (Sir Kenneth Keith) on the Court. New Zealand must also ensure the Genocide Convention is not degraded by ongoing inaction in the face of what is occurring in Gaza. As you likely know, New Zealand intervened formally in Ukraine’s case against Russia at the International Court of Justice in 2022, in a case that also concerned the Genocide Convention, and intervened in the whaling case involving Australia and Japan in 2012.
Many other commenters have supported this application by south Africa. One such is US Professor John Mearsheimer. He says of the application that it  ” is a superb description of what Israel is doing in Gaza. It is comprehensive, well-written, well-argued, and thoroughly documented.”
He makes some other points particularly in relation to the United States and President Joe Biden:
…even though the South African application focuses on Israel, it has huge implications for the United States, especially President Biden and his principal lieutenants. Why? Because there is little doubt that the Biden administration is complicitous in Israel’s genocide, which is also a punishable act according to the Genocide Convention. Despite his admission that Israel is engaged in “indiscriminate bombing,” President Biden has also stated that “we’re not going to do a damn thing other than protect Israel. Not a single thing.”
He has been true to his word, going so far as to bypass Congress twice to quickly get additional armaments to Israel. Leaving aside the legal implications of his behavior, Biden’s name – and America’s name – will be forever associated with what is likely to become one of the textbook cases of attempted genocide.
That’s right.

57 comments on “Genocide in Gaza ”

  • Comments are now closed

  1. millsy 1
    7 January 2024 at 9:12 pm

    It's clear to all and sundry, that Israel and its supporters see the Palestinians as subhuman vermin, fit only for extermination.

    • Peter H 1.1
      8 January 2024 at 8:50 am

      Which, if true, is ironic because only 80 years ago the Jews were regarded by some as subhuman vermin and were being herded into concentration camps. I guess they have said to themselves never again.

      • millsy 1.1.1
        8 January 2024 at 3:34 pm

        Doesnt give them the right to treat Palestinans the way they do.

        Its actually disgusting that Jews and Israelis have this attitude towards the Palestinians. No different to the KKK's attitude to blacks.

        • Morrissey 1.1.1.1
          8 January 2024 at 3:56 pm

          "…that Jews and Israelis have this attitude towards the Palestinians."

          ????

          The massive pro-Palestine protests all over the United States, Britain, Europe, Asia, indeed all over the world were to a significant degree organized and led by Jewish people. It was thousands of Jewish protestors that closed down Grand Central Station in New York City and the Capitol in Washington D.C.

          Israel is a violent, racist, fascist ethno-state. Please don't link it with Jews.

  2. feijoa 2
    7 January 2024 at 11:30 pm

    Yes. Dehumanisation is part of the genocide playbook.

    And Hamas is never called the government of Gaza. Hamas is only ever referred to as a terrorist organisation.

  3. mary_a 3
    8 January 2024 at 9:12 am

    Unfortunately, this government will be directed by the USA on which way to go and I very much doubt it will be to support South Africa's request to the ICJ!

  4. Adrian Thornton 4
    8 January 2024 at 12:10 pm

    Here is a taste of a study looking at the BBC's bias favouring Israel during this genocide in Gaza….hope someone does the same study of RNZ…would be a pretty similar outcome no doubt….

    Analysing the bias in BBC reporting on Palestine.

    Word bank analysis

    Word that appears in the article
    In reference to Israelis
    In reference to Palestinians
    mother/grandmother 51 32
    daughter/granddaughter 35 15
    father/grandfather 33 9
    husband 30 5
    son/grandson 25 11
    wife 10 24
    killed 1066 1630
    died 82 201
    murder(ed) 101 1
    massacre(ed) 23 1
    slaughter(ed) 20 0
    • Bearded Git 4.1
      8 January 2024 at 7:01 pm

      I just listen to Al Jazeera now for Palestinian info. Radio NZ have also been hugely pro Israel.

    • Jenny 4.2
      9 January 2024 at 3:22 pm

      Owen Jones says there is a word for this, "racism"

      BBC's Racism Over Gaza EXPOSED By Shocking Study

      Owen Jones

      @12:34 minutes

      …..slaughter, or slaughtered, those words, that's used 20 times, 20 times in reference to Israelis, in reference to Palestinians zero times, not once.

      What this report reveals is very clear, there's a word for it, we should not shy away from it, it's called racism….

      Another word for this, and just as ugly, "Complicity"

      Adrian Thornton

      8 January 2024 at 12:10 pm

      "….hope someone does the same study of RNZ…would be a pretty similar outcome no doubt…."

      • Adrian Thornton 4.2.1
        9 January 2024 at 4:03 pm

        Thanks for that Jenny, well as many of us who care to listen know, the Imperialist Liberal Class, are racist to their core (which RNZ news is a perfect example of), they often feebly try and cover this obvious racism with their excessive and at times over the top adherence to the liberal interpretation of 'woke' culture, which like most strands of their liberal (Centrist) ideology, when examined, prove to be largely nothing more that a string of vacuus, hollow words and phrases, that when push comes to shove, of course prove to be usually meaningless and have no weight.

        • Jenny 4.2.1.1
          9 January 2024 at 8:11 pm

          BBC's Racism Over Gaza EXPOSED By Shocking Study

          Owen Jones

          @12:51 minutes

          …..this really is an example of, 'CASE CLOSED'. They're bang to rights here. Objectively speaking, the BBC treats Israeli life as having far more weight and importance than Palestinian life. There is no plausible credible rebuttal to this point, that the BBC could ever possibly offer, it is an accurate reflection of what the statistics say. How could the BBC possibly claim otherwise?….

          @15:01 minutes

          …..the BBC's coverage of this horror is overtly racist, objectively so. It [the BBC] strips Palestinians of their Humanity as they are slaughtered in vast numbers, I'm using a word there, note; the BBC refuses to use in relation to Palestinians, and therefore the BBC should be held to be complicit in this crime of historic proportions….

          Adrian Thornton raises a good point.

          "….hope someone does the same study of RNZ…"

          Could we do such a study?

          What would it take?

          We need to know for sure. – Is the RNZ news corporation racist?

          Owen Jones mentions that an AI was used to audit the BBC's reporting output to conclusively prove that the British Broadcasting Corporation is, "overtly racist, objectively so".

          I think we need to determine if this is the same for the RNZ.

          Backed up with hard data, the honest, hard working, journalists and reporters of good will at RNZ will be in a strong position to make improvements.

          I for one, don't buy into the conspiracy theorists' belief, that all journalists (and politicians for that matter), are corrupt and part of vast conspiracy to hide the truth, far from it.

          I believe most journalists, (and politicians) are honest, which is why I always, if I can, include the names of the person whose name is attached to any report I am quoting or using as a source.

          Armed with hard data the overwhelming majority of honest hard working journalists at RNZ, (if the data proves that the RNZ corporation is as Racist as the BBC), will be in a position to improve things, and if necessary to stand up and challenge their employer to put an end to racism in their workplace and in their broadcasts.

      • Morrissey 4.2.2
        9 January 2024 at 6:05 pm

        yes

  5. gsays 5
    8 January 2024 at 7:00 pm

    Meanwhile in this neck of the woods, Judith Collins, with her Minister of Defence hat on, is getting snicketty about shipping lines. Because, you know, business.

    If anyone thought this regime had a heart, this should disabuse them. We choose to speak out in Maersk and Hapag LLoyd's business interests but struggle to utter a peep about the bloodshed in Gaza. Our silence speaks volumes.

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/506093/judith-collins-says-standing-with-allies-against-red-sea-attacks-important

    • Bearded Git 5.1
      8 January 2024 at 7:06 pm

      It's hilarious teally…the Houthis with a few popguns have massively disrupted world shipping in support of Palestine.

      WTF were the USA thinking? They back genocide in Gaza and expect everyone to sit back and accept this. How on earth did they not see this coming?

      • Belladonna 5.1.1
        9 January 2024 at 11:29 am

        Pulling yet more countries into a potential conflict. India (who had previously been pretty neutral in the conflict) now have their navy patrolling the Arabian/Red Sea and intercepting hijackers/pirates.

        https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/5/india-navy-says-responding-to-liberian-flagged-vessel-hijack-in-arabian-sea

        This is despite India rejecting the initial US offer to participate in a joint anti-piracy, shipping protection, patrol. So definitely not US puppets. But independently increasing their naval presence to safeguard their merchant shipping.

        What do you think would happen if one or more of their destroyers is sunk by Iranian-supplied and armed Houthis?

    • SPC 5.2
      8 January 2024 at 11:56 pm

      Shipping is the transportation of trade goods – exports and imports of nation states. Increased costs either get passed on to consumers or impact on export returns.

      The attack on shipping to and from Europe via the Suez, does not impact on the USA (UNSC veto and military supply to Israel). And given the exclusion of both Russian and Chinese shipping, it is more akin to pressure on those supporting Ukraine vs Russia.

  6. Jenny 6
    9 January 2024 at 11:59 am

    John Minto in an op-ed piece published in the Post, draws our attention to the fact that New Zealand gave this country's top legal written judgement and also delivered an oral submission, in person in the ICJ courtroom in the Hague, laying out the views of the top legal minds of this country on the merits of the case in the hearing of Ukraine vs Russia.

    Minto challenges the current government to repeat this act of international jurisprudence on the world stage, in the case currently before the World Court in the Hague – South Africa vs Israel.

    Minto particularly points out the danger to this country if the International rules based order is undermined.

    Why NZ should join South Africa’s genocide case against Israel

    By John Minto, national chair of the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa.

    The Post, OPINON, 5 January 2024

    …..Successive New Zealand governments for as long as I can remember have said we believe in an “international rules-based order” of which the ICJ and the ICC are an important part. This makes sense because we are a small country without the economic or military clout to take unilateral action to protect our interests. Like other small countries we rely on international rules to provide a measure of protection when bigger countries, like Russia in this case, break the rules.

    We have used such rules ourselves by making applications to the World Trade Organisation when our trade interests have been threatened. Without such rules the biggest bully will win every time….

    https://kiaoragaza.wordpress.com/2024/01/05/why-nz-should-join-south-africas-genocide-case-against-israel/#more-47813

  7. Mike the Lefty 7
    9 January 2024 at 1:33 pm

    Whilst the US supports the Israeli government the latter will give the rest of the world the middle finger and the indiscriminate killing will continue.

    • Bearded Git 7.1
      9 January 2024 at 1:56 pm

      Perhaps not for long Mike. At the moment Biden is like a possum caught in the headlights….but it will dawn on him one day that his legacy will be that he supported genocide….that may cause him to finally call for a ceasefire.

  8. Morrissey 8
    9 January 2024 at 6:20 pm

    Israeli children sing "We will annihilate Gaza."

    The heavenly children's choir starts about the 7:20 mark.

    • David 8.1
      9 January 2024 at 6:48 pm

      For balance…

      …there are Palestinian children who want to grow up to be policemen so that they can 'shoot the Jews'. Deanik_k ✨ on X: "🚨Imagine teaching children to want kill Jews. Welcome to Palestinian TV. https://t.co/do3tVpIzid" / X (twitter.com)

      "It’s basic and evil. Children are taught the same stuff at school, and here is an additional scandal. The schools are run by the United Nations. The agency for Palestinians, the U.N. Relief and Works Agency, has betrayed the international body’s purposes and now is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hamas, itself a subsidiary of the world’s deadliest terror state, Iran."

      The UN teaches Palestinian children to murder Jews (msn.com)

      Humans really are the worst of creatures at times.

      • Morrissey 8.1.1
        9 January 2024 at 6:55 pm

        Your idea of "balance" is as convincing as that thing you quote which states that the United Nations "teaches Palestinian children to murder Jews" and that Iran is "the world's deadliest terror state."

        It's the sort of nonsense that was published in Germany from 1933 to 1945.

        • David 8.1.1.1
          9 January 2024 at 7:05 pm

          The evidence is out there, if you want to look for it.

          Palestinian children are being systematically taught to hate Jewish Israelis and violently resist a Jewish presence in Israel, a comprehensive review of Palestinian school textbooks has found.

          Comprehensive report reveals endemic hate education in Palestinian schools – The Jerusalem Post (jpost.com)

          • lprent 8.1.1.1.1
            9 January 2024 at 7:47 pm

            Palestinian children are being systematically taught to hate…

            And settler children are not?

            Basically if you want to be viewed as a fuckwit parrot squawking propaganda, you have succeeded. Have you ever considered the converse in understanding why the armed Israeli occupation troops seem to take such pleasure in attacking children with stones….

            This took a single page search to find using “israeli settler children taught to hate palestinians”. As I am sure that you are aware the unlawful Israeli settlements on the West Bank are a hotbed of peaceful tolerant democrats 🙁 , look at how they teach their children.

            1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,…

            The evidence is out there – Israeli children are trained to be violent racists and intolerant religious bigots taught from an early age to be armed bullies…

            Not to mention the inadequate and outright demeaning education that Israeli Arabs have been receiving from their government.

            BTW: The Jerusalem Post has a fascinating read. It mirrors Likud and government propaganda so closely that they really must have their heads stuck all the way up into the top of the corrupt PM’s upper intestine. They virtually never mention any settler attacks and land-grabs on the West Bank, civilian casualties in Gaza, or the use of unguided dumb oversize bombs. It reads like a fantasy. Same with most of what I can read out of Israel.

            The only english language media I have found worth reading (and paying a subscription to) is Haaretz. I may disagree with the opinions and articles in it, but they do appear to have been reading world news rather than just sucking their views from the Israeli cabinets genitals. Like you do.

            Dork…

            • David 8.1.1.1.1.1
              9 January 2024 at 8:32 pm

              "And settler children are not?"

              Absolutely they are. I have made my feelings about Israel's behaviour well known in previous comments.

              The point of my replies above was to provide balance to a continued insistence that all of the fault in this rests with Israel. The reality is of course not that simple.

              • Morrissey …
                9 January 2024 at 9:39 pm

                … to a continued insistence that all of the fault in this rests with Israel.

                Nobody who knows about the situation would say that. Israel is the executioner in this horrendous situation, but you're right, not all the fault lies with the people pulling the triggers, bombing the hospitals, murdering doctors and nurses and patients, and producing obscene spectacles like that choir of angelic children singing about how the heroic IDF will annihilate Gaza; the ultimate fault in this crime lies with Israel's sponsors and enablers, primarily the United States, Britain, and the E.U.

                • David …
                  9 January 2024 at 10:08 pm

                  "the ultimate fault in this crime lies with Israel's sponsors and enablers, primarily the United States, Britain, and the E.U."

                  I disagree. The ultimate fault lies with the elected leadership of both Israel and Hamas. Both are enabled by funding from sponsors; but both could find peace if they had the will to do so. Neither do, which is why IMHO this will not be solved anytime soon. The hatred is too deep, the violence too raw.

          • Cinder 8.1.1.1.2
            10 January 2024 at 8:13 am

            I won't be able to provide the link until later today, but all school books in occupied Palestine pass through Israeli approval prior to distribution. But this is not mentioned in the books themselves.

            Also, the books are actually written, published and printed in Egypt and Lebanon.

            Your link fails to mention any of this.

            [Where is your link? – Incognito]

            • David 8.1.1.1.2.1
              10 January 2024 at 10:46 am

              You may need to check the date of your link.

              This is a paper that details the history of the development of the education curriculum in Palestine. If provides a Palestinian (specifically PNA) perspective on some of the content.

              The new Palestinian textbooks: A strategy for national identity and self‐determination – Alayan – Nations and Nationalism – Wiley Online Library

              "For decades, Palestinians had limited control over their education system until the Oslo Accords in the 1990s. During the period from 1948 to 1967, an educational divide existed, with Gaza adopting Egyptian curricula and the West Bank following Jordanian curricula. After the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, Jerusalem and Gaza in 1967, the Israeli military assumed control over Palestinian education, including censorship of textbooks (Adwan et al., 2014; Hussain, 2013). The establishment of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) following the Oslo Accords in 1994 marked a shift towards gradual Palestinian control over the education system."

              and

              "Palestinians having primary responsibility for their curriculum content began in the 2000s when the PMoE produced its first textbooks around 2000 and was completed in 2006/2007 (Alayan, 2017; Hussain, 2013)."

              • Cinder …
                11 January 2024 at 10:01 pm

                Shame that this post has fallen off peoples radars and doing some further research reveals some ^%#^%$#ing appalling figures:

                "In April 2002, the Ministry building in Ramallah was severely damaged by the Israeli military who confiscated equipment and records. The 275 schools within 500 metres of an Israeli military post are particularly unsafe. Since the outbreak of the Al Aqsa intifada MoEHE reports that 43 schools have at some point been occupied and turned into Israeli military bases. Between 2000-2005, around three thousand schoolchildren were detained by the occupying forces."

                https://www.fmreview.org/education/nicolai-palestine

                The bolded text may explain the footage of IDF soldiers celebrating the demolition of a UNRWA school in Northern Gaza a few weeks ago. Other than the IDF being an ill disciplined murderous rabble of course.

                https://www.aljazeera.com/program/newsfeed/2023/12/12/israeli-forces-blow-up-unrwa-school-in-northern-gaza

            • Incognito 8.1.1.1.2.2
              11 January 2024 at 11:54 am

              Mod note

              • Cinder …
                11 January 2024 at 9:03 pm

                Sorry Incognito – House guests & life stuff got in the way of the reply.

                Anyhoo – David, you and I are both partially correct and partially wrong.

                You are correct in that the Palestinians have some educational autonomy in parts of occupied Palestine.

                Buy WHY, Oh WHY did you omit this interesting and incredible relevant sentence from your link to the Wiley publication?

                “This curriculum was constructed in accordance with the Oslo policy framework, which allowed the PNA to insert some materials about Palestine into textbooks with the accepted guidelines regarding the presentation of Israelis and the State of Israel. The textbooks recognised the Green Line1 and the Partition Plan of 19472 and presented the history of Jews in the land of Palestine. The PNA presented Judaism and Jewish people apart from Zionist, and the conflict as being between Palestinians and Zionist ideology, not between themselves and Jewish people or the State of Israel”.

                Looks like you didn’t read any of the content.

                Anyhoo…

                However censorship continues in occupied East Jerusalem.

                The Georg Eckert Institute published a report in 2021 due to allegations of anti-semitism from the usual suspects.

                Here is a link to the main page where you can download the complete study and view the FAQ's:

                https://www.gei.de/en/research/projects/report-on-palestinian-textbooks-paltex

                From that page:

                "The Palestinian Authority introduced fundamental curricula reforms in 2017, which resulted in new textbooks being produced for all subjects for the 2017/2018 academic year. A total of 172 textbooks and curricula for all school levels and for subjects in general education schools were analysed as part of this year-long project, which was funded by the EU. The research project examined content in Palestinian textbooks addressing hate or violence, the promotion of peace and religious coexistence as well as elements addressing reconciliation, tolerance and the observation of human rights. The EU financed this study of Palestinian textbooks on the basis of UNESCO-defined criteria of peace, tolerance and non-violence in education. The study, carried out by the GEI, provides a comprehensive and objective analysis of current textbooks with regards to these international education standards."

                From within the body of the study – Page 156

                "Textbooks for use in schools in East Jerusalem are amended by Israeli authorities. A comparison of textbooks issued by the Palestinian MoE and those used in East Jerusalem, which have been amended by Israeli authorities, revealed clear differences between the two. These amendments include not only changes to the cover and the symbols of the MoE but also to content. As Alayan concludes in her analysis of East Jerusalem textbooks that were published in 2004/05, ‘three main censorship categories emerged: “erasing symbols,” “leaving out segments,” and “deleting the content of whole pages.”’403 The textbooks however, do not explicitly reference the fact that they have been changed nor who is responsible for the changes. The original authors’ names are still listed, as are the same members in the supervision committees; as a result these amended textbooks attribute content to authors who have not produced it"

                Page 159:

                "The content changed mainly relates to the policies of occupation towards Palestinians and the colonial history in the region in general. As a result, content that discusses the Israeli/Zionist occupation and its impact on different Palestinian communities across the territories of the West Bank, Gaza Strip and the State of Israel is diluted or neutralised, especially that which discusses policies against the Bedouin community, which is of Palestinian origin."

                And of course – no symbols of national identity please, we're busy killing civilians, stealing your land and your right to self determination

                "Israeli forces seize Palestinian textbooks from students outside Al-Aqsa. Books reportedly confiscated in occupied East Jerusalem due to having Palestinian flag on cover, as Israel continues efforts to replace curriculum"

                https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israel-forces-seize-palestinian-books-students-al-aqsa-jerusalem

                • David …
                  11 January 2024 at 11:56 pm

                  I am very familiar with the contents of the research, which is why I knew your claim that the books “are actually written, published and printed in Egypt and Lebanon” was incorrect.

                  What did I get wrong then?

                • David …
                  12 January 2024 at 12:32 am

                  Ah I get it now.

                  “Buy WHY, Oh WHY did you omit this interesting and incredible relevant sentence from your link to the Wiley publication?”

                  Because I was disputing your comment about where the books are produced. I am well aware that the Israeli government vets the PNA content – The Wiley link (and other links I could have provided) are very clear on that.

  9. Morrissey 9
    9 January 2024 at 11:16 pm

    You need to stop pretending there's an equivalence between a massively armed aggressor state and the civilian population it has oppressed, in flagrant defiance of international law and international opinion, since 1948.

  10. Jenny 10
    10 January 2024 at 9:18 am

    From September 18 to 27, 2023, in one of Ukraine’s two ongoing cases against the Russian Federation before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the state of Ukraine took the Russian Federation to the World Court, (ICJ), for breaches of the Genocide Convention accusing the Russian Federation of making false allegations of genocide against Ukraine. The lawyers acting for Russia, central defence argument, was that Ukraine's case "was without merit" and a "misuse of process". On these grounds the lawyers acting for the Russian Federation argued that Ukraine's application to the World Court must be rejected.

    32 countries delivered written and oral submissions to the World Court in the Hague, including New Zealand, as to the merits of Ukraine's case to be heard.

    Europe and its allies mobilised, with 32 States involved

    The Statute of the ICJ allows States concerned by treaties or conventions to which they are party, as is the case for the 1948 Convention on the Crime of Genocide, to intervene in proceedings if they consider that they “have an interest of a legal nature which is likely to be affected by the decision in the case”….

    https://unric.org/en/international-court-of-justice-ukraine-v-russia/#

    John Minto has pointed out that New Zealand as a small country has an interestin preserving the international rules based order of which the World Court (ICJ), is a part.

    "….we believe in an “international rules-based order” of which the ICJ and the ICC are an important part…." John Minto

    Yet New Zealand, unlike the case of Ukraine vs Russia, has not filed an application on the merits, (or otherwise) in the case South Africa vs Israel.

    The question must be asked: Why not?

    Through their embassies, Israel has been trying to pressure countries like New Zealand to not support the case South Africa vs Israel. And for countries like New Zealand, to put diplomatic pressure on the World Court to not issue any orders against Israel.

    Israel Is PRESSURING World Politicians To Condemn Genocide Accusations

    @3:00 minutes
    ….the Israeli government is applying pressure to diplomats and politicians around the world to essentially turn its back on South Africa…..

    @3:13 minutes
    …..The cable, sent by the Israeli Foreign ministry on Thursday, illustrates Israel's diplomatic action plan ahead of the International Criminal International Court of Justice hearing to create international pressure on the court to not issue an injunction that orders Israel to suspend its military campaign in Gaza.

  11. Jenny 11
    10 January 2024 at 10:50 pm

    Labour Foreign Affairs Shadow Minister, calls on the Government to stand on the right side of history,

    https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/506371/labour-urges-government-to-back-gaza-genocide-case-at-international-court

  12. Jenny 12
    11 January 2024 at 9:14 am

    If we can't stop killing each other, how can we stop killing the planet?

    The answer to the above question is simple;

    If we can't stop war, we can't stop climate change.

    If we can't even stop a genocide, humanity has no hope of stopping an ecocide.

    Leading climate activist Greta Thunberg gets it.

    Greta Thunberg accuses Israel of ‘war crimes’ and ‘genocide’

    Sweden is also complicit in Israel’s ‘occupation and mass killing,’ climate activist says.

    By CLAUDIA CHIAPPA

    December 5, 2023

    2 minutes read

    …..“Silence is complicity. You cannot be neutral in an unfolding genocide.”

    https://www.politico.eu/article/greta-thunberg-gaza-israel-war-crimes-and-genocide/

    Our hope is that our Government and Foreign Minister are listening to David Parker's 'urging', because as Greta Thunberg points out, "Silence is complicity".

    ",,,,,we think it is appropriate that New Zealand assist the International Court of Justice by intervening and making legal submissions on the case." David Parker

    Our current government's silence makes us complicit.

  13. Jenny 13
    11 January 2024 at 8:41 pm

    UN Web TV live feed inside the Peace Palace, The Hague. Local Start Time !0:00 am

    https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k11/k11gf661b3

    https://time.is/The_Hague

  14. Jenny 14
    11 January 2024 at 9:32 pm

    Supporters of Palestine gather in the Hague for rallies in support of South Africa's case against Israel accusing Israel of committing acts amounting to genocide.

    Pro-Palestine activists flock to The Hague on eve of crunch Israel ICJ case

    Rabeea Eid -The New Arab, 10 January, 2024

    5 min read

    …..A coalition of pro-Palestine movements in the Netherlands called on people to bring Palestinian flags and keffiyehs and show their solidarity with South Africa's efforts by joining protests outside the Peace Palace, home of the ICJ, on Thursday and Friday from 9 am. The court hearings will be broadcast live to the protesters outside the court.

    https://www.newarab.com/news/activists-flock-hague-eve-crunch-icj-case

    [Link fixed – Incognito]

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  • Speech to the 2024 Infrastructure Symposium
    Introduction Good morning. It’s a great privilege to be here at the 2024 Infrastructure Symposium. I was extremely happy when the Prime Minister asked me to be his Minister for Infrastructure. It is one of the great barriers holding the New Zealand economy back from achieving its potential. Building high ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    9 hours ago

  • $571 million for Defence pay and projects
    Defence Minister Judith Collins today announced the upcoming Budget will include new funding of $571 million for Defence Force pay and projects. “Our servicemen and women do New Zealand proud throughout the world and this funding will help ensure we retain their services and expertise as we navigate an increasingly ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    13 hours ago

  • Climate change – mitigating the risks and costs
    New Zealand’s ability to cope with climate change will be strengthened as part of the Government’s focus to build resilience as we rebuild the economy, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “An enduring and long-term approach is needed to provide New Zealanders and the economy with certainty as the climate ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    14 hours ago

  • Getting new job seekers on the pathway to work
    Jobseeker beneficiaries who have work obligations must now meet with MSD within two weeks of their benefit starting to determine their next step towards finding a job, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “A key part of the coalition Government’s plan to have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker ...
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    2 days ago

  • Accelerating Social Investment
    A new standalone Social Investment Agency will power-up the social investment approach, driving positive change for our most vulnerable New Zealanders, Social Investment Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Despite the Government currently investing more than $70 billion every year into social services, we are not seeing the outcomes we want for ...
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    2 days ago

  • Getting Back on Track
    Check against delivery Good morning. It is a pleasure to be with you to outline the Coalition Government’s approach to our first Budget. Thank you Mark Skelly, President of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce, together with  your Board and team, for hosting me.   I’d like to acknowledge His Worship ...
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    2 days ago

  • NZ – European Union ties more critical than ever
    Your Excellency Ambassador Meredith,   Members of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassadors from European Union Member States,   Ministerial colleagues, Members of Parliament, and other distinguished guests, Thank you everyone for joining us.   Ladies and gentlemen -    In diplomacy, we often speak of ‘close’ and ‘long-standing’ relations.   ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    2 days ago

  • Therapeutic Products Act to be repealed
    The Therapeutic Products Act (TPA) will be repealed this year so that a better regime can be put in place to provide New Zealanders safe and timely access to medicines, medical devices and health products, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced today. “The medicines and products we are talking about ...
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    2 days ago

  • Decisions on Wellington City Council’s District Plan
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop, today released his decision on twenty recommendations referred to him by the Wellington City Council relating to its Intensification Planning Instrument, after the Council rejected those recommendations of the Independent Hearings Panel and made alternative recommendations. “Wellington notified its District Plan on ...
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    2 days ago

  • Rape Awareness Week: Government committed to action on sexual violence
    Rape Awareness Week (6-10 May) is an important opportunity to acknowledge the continued effort required by government and communities to ensure that all New Zealanders can live free from violence, say Ministers Karen Chhour and Louise Upston.  “With 1 in 3 women and 1 in 8 men experiencing sexual violence ...
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    2 days ago

  • Smarter lunch programme feeds more, costs less
    Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Government will be delivering a more efficient Healthy School Lunches Programme, saving taxpayers approximately $107 million a year compared to how Labour funded it, by embracing innovation and commercial expertise. “We are delivering on our commitment to treat taxpayers’ money ...
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    2 days ago

  • Report provides insights into marine recovery
    New research on the impacts of extreme weather on coastal marine habitats in Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay will help fishery managers plan for and respond to any future events, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. A report released today on research by Niwa on behalf of Fisheries New Zealand ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • NZ to send political delegation to the Pacific
    Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will lead a broad political delegation on a five-stop Pacific tour next week to strengthen New Zealand’s engagement with the region.   The delegation will visit Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and Tuvalu.    “New Zealand has deep and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Low gas production threatens energy security
    There has been a material decline in gas production according to figures released today by the Gas Industry Co.  Figures released by the Gas Industry Company show that there was a 12.5 per cent reduction in gas production during 2023, and a 27.8 per cent reduction in gas production in the ...
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    3 days ago

  • Defence industry talent, commitment recognised
    Defence Minister Judith Collins tonight announced the recipients of the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry, saying they all contribute to New Zealanders’ security and wellbeing. “Congratulations to this year’s recipients, whose innovative products and services play a critical role in the delivery of New Zealand’s defence capabilities, ...
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    3 days ago

  • Speech to the Minister of Defence Awards of Excellence for Industry
    Welcome to you all - it is a pleasure to be here this evening.I would like to start by thanking Greg Lowe, Chair of the New Zealand Defence Industry Advisory Council, for co-hosting this reception with me. This evening is about recognising businesses from across New Zealand and overseas who in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    3 days ago

  • Speech to the Sixth Annual New Zealand Government Data Summit
    It is a pleasure to be speaking to you as the Minister for Digitising Government.  I would like to thank Akolade for the invitation to address this Summit, and to acknowledge the great effort you are making to grow New Zealand’s digital future. Today, we stand at the cusp of ...
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    3 days ago

  • Ceasefire agreement needed now: Peters
    New Zealand is urging both Israel and Hamas to agree to an immediate ceasefire to avoid the further humanitarian catastrophe that military action in Rafah would unleash, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.   “The immense suffering in Gaza cannot be allowed to worsen further. Both sides have a responsibility to ...
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    3 days ago

  • Daily school attendance data now available
    A new online data dashboard released today as part of the Government’s school attendance action plan makes more timely daily attendance data available to the public and parents, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour.  The interactive dashboard will be updated once a week to show a national average of how ...
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    3 days ago

  • Ambassador to United States appointed
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced Rosemary Banks will be New Zealand’s next Ambassador to the United States of America.    “Our relationship with the United States is crucial for New Zealand in strategic, security and economic terms,” Mr Peters says.    “New Zealand and the United States have a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • New permit proposed for recreational gold mining
    The Government is considering creating a new tier of minerals permitting that will make it easier for hobby miners to prospect for gold. “New Zealand was built on gold, it’s in our DNA. Our gold deposits, particularly in regions such as Otago and the West Coast have always attracted fortune-hunters. ...
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    4 days ago

  • NZ and the UAE launch FTA negotiations
    Minister for Trade Todd McClay today announced that New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will commence negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA). Minister McClay met with his counterpart UAE Trade Minister Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dubai, where they announced the launch of negotiations on a ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • New Zealand Sign Language Week an opportunity for anyone to sign
    New Zealand Sign Language Week is an excellent opportunity for all Kiwis to give the language a go, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. This week (May 6 to 12) is New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week. The theme is “an Aotearoa where anyone can sign anywhere” and aims to ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • Next stop NASA for New Zealand students
    Six tertiary students have been selected to work on NASA projects in the US through a New Zealand Space Scholarship, Space Minister Judith Collins announced today. “This is a fantastic opportunity for these talented students. They will undertake internships at NASA’s Ames Research Center or its Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    4 days ago

  • $1.9 billion investment to keep NZ safe from crime
    New Zealanders will be safer because of a $1.9 billion investment in more frontline Corrections officers, more support for offenders to turn away from crime, and more prison capacity, Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell says. “Our Government said we would crack down on crime. We promised to restore law and order, ...
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    4 days ago

  • OECD reinforces need to control spending
    The OECD’s latest report on New Zealand reinforces the importance of bringing Government spending under control, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The OECD conducts country surveys every two years to review its members’ economic policies. The 2024 New Zealand survey was presented in Wellington today by OECD Chief Economist Clare Lombardelli.   ...
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    4 days ago

  • Agreement delivers Local Water Done Well for Auckland
    The Government has delivered on its election promise to provide a financially sustainable model for Auckland under its Local Water Done Well plan. The plan, which has been unanimously endorsed by Auckland Council’s Governing Body, will see Aucklanders avoid the previously projected 25.8 per cent water rates increases while retaining ...
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    5 days ago

  • Gaza and the Pacific on the agenda with Germany
    Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and enhanced cooperation in the Pacific with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her first official visit to New Zealand today.    "New Zealand and Germany enjoy shared interests and values, including the rule of law, democracy, respect for the international system ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    6 days ago

  • Decision allows for housing growth in Western Bay of Plenty
    The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, Chris Bishop today released his decision on four recommendations referred to him by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opening the door to housing growth in the area. The Council’s Plan Change 92 allows more homes to be built in existing and new ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Speech to New Zealand China Council
    Thank you, John McKinnon and the New Zealand China Council for the invitation to speak to you today.    Thank you too, all members of the China Council. Your effort has played an essential role in helping to build, shape, and grow a balanced and resilient relationship between our two ...
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    1 week ago

  • Modern insurance law will protect Kiwi households
    The Government is modernising insurance law to better protect Kiwis and provide security in the event of a disaster, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly announced today. “These reforms are long overdue. New Zealand’s insurance law is complicated and dated, some of which is more than 100 years old. ...
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    1 week ago

  • Government recommits to equal pay
    The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says.  “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were ...
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    1 week ago

  • Transforming how our children learn to read
    Structured literacy will change the way New Zealand children learn to read - improving achievement and setting students up for success, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.  “Being able to read and write is a fundamental life skill that too many young people are missing out on. Recent data shows that ...
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    1 week ago

  • NZ not backing down in Canada dairy dispute
    Trade Minister Todd McClay says Canada’s refusal to comply in full with a CPTPP trade dispute ruling in our favour over dairy trade is cynical and New Zealand has no intention of backing down. Mr McClay said he has asked for urgent legal advice in respect of our ‘next move’ ...
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    1 week ago

  • Stronger oversight for our most vulnerable children
    The rights of our children and young people will be enhanced by changes the coalition Government will make to strengthen oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, including restoring a single Children’s Commissioner. “The Government is committed to delivering better public services that care for our most at-risk young people and ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

  • Streamlining Building Consent Changes
    The Government is making it easier for minor changes to be made to a building consent so building a home is easier and more affordable, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.      “The coalition Government is focused on making it easier and cheaper to build homes so we can ...
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    1 week ago

  • Minister acknowledges passing of Sir Robert Martin (KNZM)
    New Zealand lost a true legend when internationally renowned disability advocate Sir Robert Martin (KNZM) passed away at his home in Whanganui last night, Disabilities Issues Minister Louise Upston says. “Our Government’s thoughts are with his wife Lynda, family and community, those he has worked with, the disability community in ...
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    1 week ago

  • Speech to New Zealand Institute of International Affairs, Parliament – Annual Lecture: Challenges ...
    Good evening –   Before discussing the challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand’s foreign policy, we’d like to first acknowledge the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. You have contributed to debates about New Zealand foreign policy over a long period of time, and we thank you for hosting us.  ...
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    1 week ago

  • Accelerating airport security lines
    From today, passengers travelling internationally from Auckland Airport will be able to keep laptops and liquids in their carry-on bags for security screening thanks to new technology, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Creating a more efficient and seamless travel experience is important for holidaymakers and businesses, enabling faster movement through ...
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    1 week ago

  • Community hui to talk about kina barrens
    People with an interest in the health of Northland’s marine ecosystems are invited to a public meeting to discuss how to deal with kina barrens, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. Mr Jones will lead the discussion, which will take place on Friday, 10 May, at Awanui Hotel in ...
    BeehiveBy beehive.govt.nz
    1 week ago

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