New Zealand foreign minister Winston Peters said: “The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is rightly at the forefront of the global agenda.”
“New Zealand, as a long-standing supporter of the two-state solution and Palestinian self-determination, is an active participant in discussions about how to broker a ceasefire and a political settlement to enable Israelis and Palestinians to live peacefully side-by-side. While we are a long way away from the Middle East, we will continue to ensure our voice is heard.
“New Zealand has been clear for some time that our recognition of a Palestinian state is a matter of when, not if.
“New Zealand has long asked whether the pre-requisites for a viable and legitimate Palestinian state — in security, political, diplomatic and economic terms — exist. Fundamentally, we will need to weigh up whether sufficient progress is being made against these benchmarks in order to warrant New Zealand recognising a Palestinian state at this juncture.
“New Zealand has been giving this issue careful, methodical and deliberate attention. We will be taking heed of the facts on the ground deteriorating rapidly, our close partners being divided on the issue of recognition, and a range of Arab states making clear Hamas must disarm and must have no future role in Palestinian governance.
“Cabinet will take a formal decision in September over whether New Zealand should recognise a state of Palestine at this juncture — and if so, when and how.”
The full statement can be read here.
– Alexandra Koster
