New Zealand PM Defends Decision Against Recognizing Palestine

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has publicly defended the government’s decision not to recognize Palestine as a state. This announcement followed comments made by Foreign Minister Winston Peters at the United Nations General Assembly, where he outlined the government’s stance on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Luxon emphasized that New Zealand condemned the brutal attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israeli civilians and the abduction of 251 individuals. He affirmed Israel’s right to defend itself but criticized its actions since the onset of hostilities as “grossly disproportionate.” Luxon stated, “These actions have exacerbated and prolonged the suffering of innocent civilians.”

The Prime Minister articulated that recognizing Palestine at this juncture would not contribute to resolving the conflict. Instead, he stressed the importance of achieving a ceasefire through negotiation, dialogue, and diplomatic efforts. “This conflict will not end by New Zealand recognizing the state of Palestine at this time,” he said.

Luxon highlighted that Hamas, designated a terrorist organization by New Zealand, continues to govern significant territories within the Gaza Strip. He remarked, “It continues to hold Israeli hostages, reject Israel’s right to exist, renounce terrorism or agree to disarm,” which forms a critical basis for New Zealand’s position.

The Prime Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to a “when, not if” approach towards recognizing Palestinian statehood. He noted that with ongoing warfare and Hamas’s control over Gaza, “now is not the time.” Luxon clarified that the decision should not be interpreted as an endorsement of Israel’s policies, particularly concerning actions that undermine the viability of a two-state solution.

New Zealand expects Israel to facilitate humanitarian aid to Gaza and to halt illegal settlement activities and military operations. Luxon stated, “We expect Israel to enable unfettered humanitarian aid into Gaza, and to end all illegal settlement activity and current military action.”

In response to the humanitarian crisis, the New Zealand government has pledged an additional $10 million to international humanitarian partners, increasing its total contribution to $47.5 million. Luxon characterized New Zealand’s position as pro-peace, asserting that the nation is neither pro-Palestine nor pro-Israel, but rather maintains friendly relations with both parties.

He emphasized the necessity for a ceasefire as a precursor to lasting peace, stating, “True peace starts with a ceasefire and that’s the only way to end all of this suffering.” Luxon called for reasonable leadership from both sides to address the conflict, acknowledging the presence of extreme factions that hinder progress.

The Prime Minister clarified that New Zealand’s decision was grounded in an independent assessment of the situation, distinct from the positions of its allies. “Some of our friends have pursued recognition and some haven’t, and irrespective of their position, we form our own independent assessment and our own independent foreign policy, acting in New Zealand’s interests.”

While he recognized that the decision might disappoint some New Zealanders, Luxon maintained that there are strongly held views on both sides of the debate, reflecting the complexity of the issue.