This is just too awful to let go without saying something.
The power is all with the Israel government. They have superior weapons, wealth and superpower support, against, what is in effect, a captive population. Non-combatants live in this small area, trying to go about their lives, and many of them are dying – children playing on a beach, families in their homes.
People have been warned to leave their homes as the Israeli command planned to invade.
Too much bloodshed. And a step way too far.
Israeli tanks entered Gaza on Thursday night after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a ground invasion, a major escalation in a ten-day offensive that has already killed more than 230 Palestinians.
Witnesses in Gaza reported heavy bombing from jets, warships and artillery stationed along the border, with much of the firing was directed at northern Gaza. The electricity was cut off across a large swathe of the strip, though it was unclear why.
A statement from Netanyahu and Defence Minister Moshe Ya’alon described the invasion as focused on destroying tunnels connecting Gaza to Israel.
[…]
At least 231 Palestinians have been killed so far, including 39 children, and more than 1,700 injured. One Israeli has been killed by rocket fire from Gaza.
I urge all NZ politicians and parties not to support the Israeli invasion.
Update: Protest tomorrow (Sat 19 July) Aotea Square, Auckland, 2pm. [h/t Tiger Mountain]
“Olive branch” march to protest Israeli brutality in Gaza
Palestine Human Rights March – this Saturday 19th July, 2pm, Aotea Square.
Palestine solidarity groups have organised an “olive branch” march in Auckland this Saturday to protest the never-ending brutality against the people of Gaza by the Israeli military.
Olive branches are a sign of peace but there will never be peace without justice for Palestinians.
We will be pointing out that the problem is NOT rockets being fired from Gaza against but Israel’s brutal military occupation of the West Bank; its medieval siege of Gaza; ongoing theft of Palestinian land; detention without trial of thousands of Palestinians and the refusal of Israel to allow the return of Palestinian refugees who were driven from their land and homes when Israel was formed.
The march will be promoting a boycott of Israel as the best way to bring pressure on this rogue state. Just as pressure from an international boycott brought an end to the apartheid regime in South Africa we must do the same to bring an end to Israeli apartheid against Palestinians.
The march will also visit Television New Zealand and The New Zealand Herald to protest the on-going biased reporting of the conflict. For example Palestinian fighters are frequently referred to as “militants” “Islamic militants” or “terrorists” while Israeli fighters are “soldiers”.
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