NZ Palestinians demand end to Mideast violence

By JO-MARIE BROWN

As 8-year-old Ahmad Qishta stood in Aotea Square, Auckland, yesterday and deplored the violence in the Middle East, another Palestinian boy was shot dead during clashes with Israeli troops.

Ahmad, who arrived here three years ago, spoke to about 150 New Zealand Palestine Human Rights Campaign supporters who gathered in the rain to rally behind their people and help New Zealanders understand what is happening in the Middle East.

But while Ahmad lamented the death of 12-year-old Mohammed al-Durra, who was shot in his father's arms 12 days ago, news came that a second 12-year-old boy had been shot in the head.

The incident follows two weeks of violence in which at least 88 people, mainly Palestinians and Israeli Arabs, have died after an Israeli right-wing politician visited a site considered holy by Muslims and Jews.

A further 3000 have been injured during the clashes, leaving the Middle East peace process in tatters and prompting both Palestinians and Israelis in New Zealand to pray for peace.

Auckland Jewish Council chairwoman Wendy Ross said that during Monday's Yom Kippur holiday the Jewish community had offered special prayers for those caught up in the violence, and all were anxiously awaiting news from family and friends.

At the Aotea Square rally, Palestinian spokesman David Wakim said New Zealanders needed to understand their point of view.

Palestinians did not condone violence but it had erupted in response to "constant oppression, constant humiliation and constant torture."

"The Palestinians are responding to that oppression and the lack of progress over the past seven years in the peace process, which has been of absolutely no benefit to them," Mr Wakim said.

"It's basically been passive resistance - people throwing stones against sophisticated military weapons. That's something that people can't appreciate."

Wendy Ross said there was no need for violence.

"It's the last thing Israel needs and this violence just plays into the hands of the hard-liners, which is a terrible shame."