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New Zealand bucks trend, won’t recognise Palestinian state ‘for now’
The surprise move puts New Zealand out of step with traditional partners such as Australia, the UK and Canada
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New Zealand’s government said it would not recognise a Palestinian state for now, an unexpected move that puts it out of step with traditional partners such as Australia, the UK and Canada.
“New Zealand is neither pro-Palestine nor pro-Israel,” Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said at a press conference on Saturday, adding that the conflict in the Middle East would end only through a ceasefire reached through negotiation.
“We want to see two states, Israel and Palestine, living in peace and security, and that will only happen through negotiation, dialogue, diplomacy and leadership.”
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Luxon’s remarks came a day after Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced his country’s stance in a speech to the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
“With a war raging, Hamas remaining the de facto government of Gaza, and no clarity on next steps, too many questions remain about the future State of Palestine for it to be prudent for New Zealand to announce recognition at this time,” Peters said.
“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.”
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