Sanctions are a common tool for seeking to influence foreign governments and individuals to change their behaviour. Sanctions are part of diplomacy between countries or regional organisations and are used for national security interests, to defend against threats to international peace or stability, or to protect international law. As per the preliminary results of South Africa’s case against Israel in the International Court of Justice "At least some of the acts and omissions alleged by South Africa to have been committed by Israel in Gaza appear to be capable of falling within the provisions of the (Genocide) Convention,". 

Sanctions affect the money flowing into a country and have been shown to work.

The government in Aotearoa New Zealand is yet to impose sanctions on Israel in response to their apartheid regime in occupied Palestine and their genocidal aggression in Gaza. 

Aotearoa New Zealand has imposed sanctions on countries before, recently Aotearoa imposed sanctions in Russia in response to their aggression in Ukraine, and previously they were part of a swathe of countries who imposed sanctions on Apartheid South Africa which played an important role in the disestablishment of the apartheid in South Africa.

Local government bodies such as municipal and regional councils also play a key role in our political systems. They often have relationships with companies and institutions that help Israel to oppress Palestinians. Campaigning for local governments to take action in support of Palestinian rights is a vital way to build meaningful solidarity that reflects community values.