Desk Report:
The New Zealand government’s decision to not recognize Palestine as a state has sparked strong reactions both within the country and internationally. Opposition parties, including former Prime Minister Helen Clark, have said the decision has put the country on the wrong side of history.
In a speech to the United Nations General Assembly on Saturday (September 27), New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters said that while New Zealand is committed to a two-state solution, it will not recognize Palestine right now. According to him, the war in Gaza is ongoing, Hamas still holds de facto authority and the future of a Palestinian state is unclear. In this situation, recognition could complicate efforts to reach a peace agreement and ceasefire.
However, this position goes against the position of the country’s traditional allies, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and France. More than 140 UN member states have already recognized Palestine. Critics say that New Zealand is falling behind when the world is trying to move the establishment of a Palestinian state forward.
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark believes that the government’s argument is absurd. Recognition now would strengthen the Palestinian Authority, where Hamas has no role.
Labor Party leader Chris Hipkins described the government’s decision as “morally reprehensible.” He claimed that Prime Minister Christopher Lacson had lost his chance at justice and leadership. The Green Party also described the government’s decision as a “stain” on New Zealand’s voice for peace and justice.
On the other hand, Prime Minister Lacson said that New Zealand was not taking sides. In his words, “We want Israel and Palestine to live in peace and security as two states, which can only be achieved through negotiations.”
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the recognition by Western countries “madness” and said that this recognition would further incite Hamas.
