The Green Party has called on the Government to stop dithering and support Palestinian statehood, ahead of the UN General Assembly.
"New Zealanders deserve an answer now on where the Government stands on this defining issue of our time," says the Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson.
"Tens of thousands of us marched through the streets of Auckland at the weekend, calling on the Government to grow a spine, sanction Israel and recognise Palestinian statehood.
"Palestine needs our action, our Government needs to take a stand and send a clear message to Israel that the genocide needs to stop.
"It's clear New Zealanders want more than just empty statements from our Government, they want action that works towards ending the merciless violence.
"A year ago, Aotearoa stood with 123 UN Member States to support a resolution calling for sanctions against those responsible for 'unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in relation to settler violence'.
"The Greens have drafted a Member's Bill to sanction Israel. We just need the support of six out of 68 Government MPs to make this happen.
"At the very least, this week at the UN General Assembly, the Government must add our country to the growing list of countries that recognise Palestinian statehood," says Marama Davidson.
