New Zealand's coalition government has decided not to recognise Palestinian statehood, despite earlier signals from Prime Minister Christopher Luxon that it was a matter of 'when, not if'. The announcement, made by Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters at the UN General Assembly, has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, former prime ministers, and activist groups.
Peters argued that recognition was not prudent while 'a war raging, Hamas remaining the de facto government of Gaza, and no clarity on next steps'. He expressed concern that it could complicate ceasefire efforts. The decision places New Zealand at odds with traditional allies such as the UK, Canada, and Australia, which recently recognised Palestinian statehood. Currently, 157 of 193 UN member states recognise Palestine.
Former Prime Minister Helen Clark described New Zealand as 'very much on the wrong side of history', while Labour's foreign affairs spokesperson Peeni Henare called the decision 'an embarrassment'. The Green party labelled it 'a stain' on New Zealand's reputation. In a protest, Anglican and Catholic clergy members chained themselves to the immigration minister's office in Auckland.
The decision comes amid Israel's intensified assault on Gaza, which has killed over 66,000 people, mostly civilians, according to the source. A UN commission found that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to 'finish the job' and dismissed Palestinian statehood as 'insane'. Luxon defended the government's stance, stating, 'We're not pro-Palestine, we're not pro-Israel... we are pro-peace.'
