The Israel Institute of New Zealand is calling on the New Zealand Government to condemn rocket fire, into Israel, from Gaza, in the wake of the historic Abraham Accords, which normalise relations between the United Arab Emirates and Israel, and between Bahrain and Israel.
The Accords double the number of Arab countries that have signed peace agreements with Israel; the first two were Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994.
According to Institute co-director, Dr David Cumin, the Accords completely reverse a boycott which started in 1945.
“The formal, open, acceptance of a Jewish state in indigenous land by Arab nations marks an historic day and I hope peace flourishes, deepens, and spreads across the region.”
Dr Cumin says that the Israel Institute of New Zealand welcomes the New Zealand government support for the agreements but is disappointed at the lack of any condemnation of the Gaza rocket fire attacks which were timed to coincide with the ceremony, injuring several Israelis in Ashdod.
“The last time a New Zealand Minister clearly condemned terror against Israel was 2006 and our government is sending mixed signals by welcoming peace but remaining silent about terror and by continuing to fund schools in the Middle East that teach hate and incite violence.”
