NZFOI’S PUBLIC STATEMENT ON THE ISRAEL-GAZA CONFLICT JULY-AUGUST 2014
AUGUST 5, 2014
New Zealand Friends of Israel (NZFOI) is horrified by the parade of wounded, dying or dead Palestinian women and children across our television screens since the beginning of the latest war in Gaza.
We are appalled that the death of three Israeli teenagers and 1 Arab teenager should spiral so quickly into full blown war. NZFOI is deeply concerned by reports that Hamas is illegally using civilians as human shields.
We are disturbed that Hamas has been storing munitions in UN schools and carrying out operations from within hospitals. The suffering of civilians and the loss of their homes is heart rending.
On the other hand, the barrage of rockets indiscriminately being fired into Israel must be stopped. Though relatively ineffective against Israel’s defences, they are nonetheless deadly if they are allowed to reach their intended targets.
We understand that Israel must do what it must to stop the barrage of rockets and to prevent terrorist incursions using underground tunnels to cross the border.
Urban warfare will result in civilian casualties and that the historical ratio of civilian to combatant casualties in all conflicts around the world since WW2 is near 3:1. As yet we do not know what the final ratio might be in Gaza, but we urge everyone to be slow in jumping to conclusions.
In time of war, all news coming from a war zone can be and often is subject to censorship. Only pictures of civilian casualties are emerging from Hamas controlled Gaza. All civilian deaths in Gaza are being attributed to Israel.
This is not the full picture. This conflict is not just a war of physical violence but also a manipulative war for hearts and minds.
We are also sickened that pro-Palestinian rallies around the world have sparked many anti-Semitic acts. Slogans rarely heard since Nazism held power, are being openly chanted.
Synagogues and Jewish stores have been attacked. Jews have been beaten in the streets. Jews once more are afraid of being seen in public.
The world has not learnt from the Holocaust.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been wounded or have suffered the loss of a loved one through this conflict. We pray that it will draw to a swift and peaceful conclusion.
ABOUT THE SOCIETY
NZFOI was formed in 1974. It fights racial and ethnic intolerance by raising awareness of Jewish history and culture, www.nzfoi.org.
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