14 January 2009

Mr Keith Locke MP, Parliament

Dear Mr Locke

People have gathered at Parliament today under the slogan “Israel says – Palestinians Yes, Hamas No” because they want to make it clear that they support Israel’s aim of removing the Hamas regime in Gaza.

They see this as a key step towards bringing peace to, and improving the quality of life for, both Israelis and Gazans; and they bear no ill-will towards Palestinian civilians.

On the contrary, this rally expresses sorrow for the destruction of Gaza which accompanies Israel’s military operation, and regrets the need for Israel to have taken such action, but understands the logic of it as an act of self-defence.

This view appears to be shared by the Ramallah-based Palestine Authority, members of which have criticized Hamas for causing the Israeli action.

Since Hamas’s illegitimate seizure of power in Gaza in June 2007, it has brought and continues to bring much harm and misery to the people of Gaza, not least by firing rockets and mortars indiscriminately into civilian areas of Israel.

You have spoken of the “unprecedented Israeli assault on the people of Gaza” (since 27 December 2008), but this is not Israel’s aim - which is to carry out a successful military campaign against Hamas fighters, weapons and war establishments.

Regrettably, these also include homes, schools and mosques which Hamas has used for weapons storage, rocket firing sites and other war purposes. We have great sympathy for the Palestinian civilians hurt by the military actions.

As you are no doubt aware, the Hamas Covenant clearly calls for the obliteration of the State of Israel and the killing of Jews.everywhere in the world

Your call for an end to the current hostilities is similar to UNSC Resolution 1860 which has been rejected by both Hamas and Israel. It does nothing for a long-term solution to the aggression which brought about the present situation.

The Israeli government, Israeli people, the Palestinian Authority and most of the world want a two-state solution – though this is rejected by Hamas.

Mr Locke, those at the rally today share with you the privilege of living in a New Zealand which is free of the threats from Nazi Germany and militarist Japan that caused World War 2. It was only determined military action by the Allies, including New Zealand, that removed the threat. That war also caused huge and disproportionate destruction to the civilian populations of Germany and Japan.

The situation facing Israel is very similar and so is the outcome of Israel’s response. We fervently hope that the result will also be greater peace for the region.

Please convey the views in this letter to the other members of the New Zealand - Palestine Authority Parliamentary Friendship Group.

Yours sincerely

ENDS

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