By Radio NZ…
The Prime Minister says the conflict in Gaza would not end by New Zealand recognising the state of Palestine at this time.
Christopher Luxon spoke to media, after Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ announcement at the United Nations General Assembly that the government had decided against the move.
Luxon said New Zealand immediately condemned Hamas’ 7 October 2023 attack on Israeli civilians, which killed 1200 innocent people and led to 251 people being taken hostage. New Zealand recognised Israel’s right to defend itself and its people, he said.
However, the New Zealand government’s view was that Israel’s actions since then had been “grossly disproportionate, and have exacerbated and prolonged the suffering of innocent civilians”, he said.
“This conflict will not end by New Zealand recognising the state of Palestine at this time. It will only end through a ceasefire reached through negotiation, dialogue, diplomacy and leadership, and that remains our focus.”
Read the full story on Radio NZ HERE.
