#breaking NZ will not recognise Palestine; Peters takes aim at conflict

In a broad-ranging speech, Winston Peters has taken aim at the stagnation in the Security Council, others recognising Palestine, and outlined New Zealand’s displeasure at the deepening humanitarian crisis, talking about “intergenerational cycles of violence” and “we need leadership that is courageous”. “We are on the edge of a horrible abyss that is Gaza,” cautioning it will be “a terrorist breeding ground”.

For years, New Zealand has supported the idea of a two-state solution: that Israel and a future Palestinian state should exist side by side in peace. While New Zealand has supported enhanced participation for Palestine in UN forums (e.g. via resolutions), it has so far stopped short of formal diplomatic recognition.

In August 2025, Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced that the government will “carefully weigh” the decision and expected to make a determination in September. At this stage its a no.

Peters talked about statements from previous Governments about recognition, as well as referencing comments from Israel.

Peters talked about the “babarirty” of Hamas but also “shocked to our core” by the disproportionate response from the Israel Government.

More to come

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