Peters said with the war ongoing, Hamas remaining the de facto government of Gaza, and no clarity on next steps, it was not prudent for New Zealand to move ahead with recognition.
“We are also concerned that a focus on recognition, in the current circumstances, could complicate efforts to secure a ceasefire by pushing Israel and Hamas into even more intransigent positions,” he said.
New Zealand continues to condemn actions by both Israel and Hamas that prolong the conflict, block a political solution, and undermine the viability of a Palestinian state.
“New Zealand has long been a staunch advocate of the two-state solution and a defender of Palestinians’ right to self-determination,” Peters said. “What is needed now more than ever is dialogue, diplomacy and leadership – not further conflict and extremism.”
He said New Zealanders had been shocked by “harrowing images of famine in Gaza,” “revolted by the grossly disproportionate military action from the Israeli Government,” and “disturbed by Israeli rhetoric and actions aimed at dismantling future prospects for a Palestinian state.”
Peters also condemned Hamas for its refusal to release hostages, its disregard for life, and its stated determination to destroy Israel. He stressed New Zealand’s concern was not with the Palestinian Authority, which he said faced very difficult circumstances, and confirmed New Zealand would continue to support strengthening its capability.
Peters reiterated that recognition of Palestine was not a question of if but when.
“Like every other New Zealand Government over the past 80 years, we hold the position that we will recognise a Palestinian state when the time is right,” he said.
He outlined conditions for recognition, including real actions towards the viability of a Palestinian state, Israel halting illegal settlements in the West Bank and returning to meaningful negotiations, the release of all hostages, the disbanding and disarmament of Hamas, and a renouncement of violence by all Palestinian leaders.
The Minister’s office confirmed the decision followed weeks of Cabinet-level discussion. Cabinet considered the matter on 11 August and 15 September, while the Cabinet Foreign Policy and Security Committee discussed it on 8 September. Cabinet material relating to these deliberations was proactively released today.
The Government also sought input from New Zealand’s diplomatic network, international partners, community groups, and opposition parties during the process. Peters spoke to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in New York ahead of today’s announcement to finalise the decision.
Recognition of Palestine remains a complex issue, Peters said, and one on which reasonable people can disagree.
“Some of our close partners have chosen to recognise Palestine, and others have not. We do not question the good intentions of those who have chosen to recognise Palestine at this time. Where we differ is on whether recognition now by New Zealand will make a tangible, positive contribution to the realisation of a two-state solution.”
New Zealand will continue to push for an immediate ceasefire, unfettered humanitarian access to Gaza, respect for international law by all parties, and an end to Israeli settlement activity.
To address the humanitarian crisis, New Zealand has announced an additional $10 million in aid, bringing the total contribution to $47.25 million. The funding will support UNICEF, the World Food Programme, and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
The Government said it remained conscious of the strong and divided views within New Zealand over recognition. Peters urged that the conflict must not fuel division at home, echoing comments from Ethnic Communities Minister Mark Mitchell that protest and free speech must never be twisted into hatred or intimidation.
“New Zealand’s balanced and careful approach to recognition is in line with our values, principles, and independent foreign policy,” Peters said.
Broadcaster Chris Lynch is an award winning journalist who also produces Christchurch news and video content for domestic and international companies. This article was originally published by Chris Lynch Media and is published here with kind permission.
New Zealand continues to condemn actions by both Israel and Hamas that prolong the conflict, block a political solution, and undermine the viability of a Palestinian state.
“New Zealand has long been a staunch advocate of the two-state solution and a defender of Palestinians’ right to self-determination,” Peters said. “What is needed now more than ever is dialogue, diplomacy and leadership – not further conflict and extremism.”
He said New Zealanders had been shocked by “harrowing images of famine in Gaza,” “revolted by the grossly disproportionate military action from the Israeli Government,” and “disturbed by Israeli rhetoric and actions aimed at dismantling future prospects for a Palestinian state.”
Peters also condemned Hamas for its refusal to release hostages, its disregard for life, and its stated determination to destroy Israel. He stressed New Zealand’s concern was not with the Palestinian Authority, which he said faced very difficult circumstances, and confirmed New Zealand would continue to support strengthening its capability.
Peters reiterated that recognition of Palestine was not a question of if but when.
“Like every other New Zealand Government over the past 80 years, we hold the position that we will recognise a Palestinian state when the time is right,” he said.
He outlined conditions for recognition, including real actions towards the viability of a Palestinian state, Israel halting illegal settlements in the West Bank and returning to meaningful negotiations, the release of all hostages, the disbanding and disarmament of Hamas, and a renouncement of violence by all Palestinian leaders.
The Minister’s office confirmed the decision followed weeks of Cabinet-level discussion. Cabinet considered the matter on 11 August and 15 September, while the Cabinet Foreign Policy and Security Committee discussed it on 8 September. Cabinet material relating to these deliberations was proactively released today.
The Government also sought input from New Zealand’s diplomatic network, international partners, community groups, and opposition parties during the process. Peters spoke to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in New York ahead of today’s announcement to finalise the decision.
Recognition of Palestine remains a complex issue, Peters said, and one on which reasonable people can disagree.
“Some of our close partners have chosen to recognise Palestine, and others have not. We do not question the good intentions of those who have chosen to recognise Palestine at this time. Where we differ is on whether recognition now by New Zealand will make a tangible, positive contribution to the realisation of a two-state solution.”
New Zealand will continue to push for an immediate ceasefire, unfettered humanitarian access to Gaza, respect for international law by all parties, and an end to Israeli settlement activity.
To address the humanitarian crisis, New Zealand has announced an additional $10 million in aid, bringing the total contribution to $47.25 million. The funding will support UNICEF, the World Food Programme, and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
The Government said it remained conscious of the strong and divided views within New Zealand over recognition. Peters urged that the conflict must not fuel division at home, echoing comments from Ethnic Communities Minister Mark Mitchell that protest and free speech must never be twisted into hatred or intimidation.
“New Zealand’s balanced and careful approach to recognition is in line with our values, principles, and independent foreign policy,” Peters said.
Broadcaster Chris Lynch is an award winning journalist who also produces Christchurch news and video content for domestic and international companies. This article was originally published by Chris Lynch Media and is published here with kind permission.
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