Don’t accept violation

The piece (April 24) from the Jerusalem Post (JP) about some Covid-19-related incidents saw possibilities of improving relationships between Jews and Arabs. All in the context of the new ‘‘unity’’ government in present-day Israel.

The piece also referred to ‘‘ideological’’ differences between these communities. The new government proposes a reconciliation cabinet to heal the rifts in Israeli society and the JP says cabinet should send a message to the Arab ‘‘minority’’ that their concerns will be addressed.

What is not acknowledged is an objective of the new government to start formally annexing parts of the occupied Palestinian territories. This is against the provisions of international law and part of a constant refusal by Israel to formally define its boundaries, recognise its history of ethnic cleansing or acknowledge Palestinian refugees.

This is an ‘‘ideological’’ question – the exclusionist ideology of the Israeli state. That ideology means a permanent ‘‘lockdown’’ of the Palestinian territories and a 13-year blockade to starve Gaza of food, medicine, electricity, sanitary facilities, work. These areas do not get a vote yet are intensely affected by Israeli government policy.

Covid-19 lockdowns around the world are giving some regimes the chance to use the crisis to advance dangerous agendas. NZ should in no way accept this further violation of international law.

Gerard Burns, Island Bay [abridged]