Marama Davidson's father Rawiri Paratene says he'd be concerned for his daughter's safety if she attempts to join another Gaza protest. Davidson arrived home this morning after being intercepted while on board Zaytouna-Olivia as part of a flotilla in international waters off the coast Gaza, protesting Israel's decade-long blockade.
Davidson arrived home safely and was greeted by family, peace activists and supporters.
“Even though I'm exhausted, it was really refreshing to see all my supporters when I return to New Zealand.”
The Green Party MP was detained by Israeli security forces and deported back to New Zealand. Davidson's father Rawiri Paratene says he'd be concerned for his daughter's safety if she attempts to join another Gaza protest.
“I doubt if she will go back because I imagine being deported you can't go back to that place so I doubt if she will be on but yeah if she does if she wants to break that she'd be in real trouble.”
Davidson was one of 13 women who were part of a flotilla in international waters off the coast of Gaza. Davidson said she's willing to return and continue her ongoing commitment to peace in Israel and Palestine.
Davidson says, “Absolutely, my work will continue as it has for years to stand against oppression, against all forms of war and violence, and to yearn for enduring peace in Israel and Palestine, and that will not come with a blockage over Gaza.”
Paratene says, “It’s never a good feeling for a parent to wake up to hear that one of your kids has been arrested especially in a different country so yeah that was a worrying time.”
For now, Davidson is happy to be home with her family.