WELLINGTON — New Zealand has announced that it will not recognize a Palestinian state at this time, citing the current volatile conditions in the region and ongoing conflict, Foreign Minister Winston Peters declared in a speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 26. While reaffirming its commitment to a two-state solution, Peters emphasized the complexities posed by the ongoing war and Hamas’s role as the de facto government of Gaza.
“With a war raging, Hamas remaining the de facto government of Gaza, and no clarity on next steps, too many questions remain about the future state of Palestine for it to be prudent for New Zealand to announce recognition at this time,” Peters said. He cautioned that focusing on recognition in the current climate could hinder ceasefire efforts by pushing Israel and Hamas into more entrenched positions.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, speaking in Auckland the following day, echoed this sentiment, stating that recognition of Palestinian statehood is inevitable, but the timing must be right. “This conflict will not end by New Zealand recognizing a state of Palestine at this time,” Luxon affirmed. He stressed the priority of achieving a ceasefire through negotiation, dialogue, and diplomacy, while underscoring New Zealand’s stance as neither pro-Palestine nor pro-Israel, but firmly pro-peace.
This position places New Zealand out of step with some of its traditional allies, including Australia, Canada, and Britain, which recently recognized Palestinian statehood along with over 140 other countries supporting Palestinian aspirations for independence from the occupied territories.
A government statement issued on September 26 emphasized that New Zealand hopes to recognize Palestine in the future when the conditions on the ground present a greater prospect for peace and negotiation.
The decision has drawn criticism from New Zealand’s opposition Labour Party. Labour’s foreign affairs spokesperson Peeni Henare said the government’s position would disappoint New Zealanders and warned, “There is no two-state solution or enduring peace in the Middle East without recognition of Palestine as a state.
“As tensions persist and humanitarian needs escalate, highlighted by New Zealand’s commitment of an additional $10 million in aid for emergency supplies to Gaza, the country navigates a careful diplomatic path, balancing international realities with hopes for a peaceful resolution.