By Molly Swift & James Baker on Radio NZ…
Labour leader Chris Hipkins has blasted the government’s decision not to recognise Palestinian statehood, calling it “morally reprehensible” and a failure of leadership.
Speaking to reporters after Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters told the UN General Assembly in New York that New Zealand was “not ready” to recognise Palestine, Hipkins accused Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s coalition of showing weakness.
“New Zealand had an opportunity to show leadership here,” Hipkins said. “They failed to show that leadership.
“Instead, New Zealand’s government is turning its back on Palestine, when we see an unfolding genocide there.
“I think New Zealanders were hoping that our government would take a principled position and recognise Palestine, as our friends in Australia, the UK and Canada have all done. We are now an international outlier.”
Read the full story on Radio NZ HERE.
