- The government has decided against recognising Palestine right now.
- It says the move could be counter-productive because there is no fully legitimate state to recognise.
- It has reiterated its condemnation of Hamas and Israel's military plan and illegal settlements.
- It is committed a further $10 million in humanitarian aid for emergency supplies into Gaza.
The government has decided against recognising Palestinian statehood, retaining its "when not if" position at the United Nations General Assembly.
Its rationale is that with Hamas in place as the de facto government of the Gaza Strip and no clarity on next steps, there is not a fully legitimate and viable State of Palestine for New Zealand to recognise.
The decision leaves New Zealand with a handful of countries including Singapore, Japan, South Korea and the United States, who have not made the move.
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters took two broad options to Cabinet in August; the continuation of New Zealand's "when, not if" approach, or recognising the State of Palestine with a certain set of conditions.
Peters recommended Cabinet adopt the first option and it did, making an in-principle decision on 15 September.
The foreign affairs minister finalised this decision with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon by phone on Friday morning (US time) and has now outlined it in his speech during the general debate at the UN General Assembly.
He acknowledged the "good intentions" of those countries who had chosen to recognise Palestine, but expressed concern international focus on recognition could be counter-productive.
"Those countries who hoped their earlier signalling of Palestinian statehood recognition would protect and promote the two-state solution have instead seen the Israeli government snap, and continue its widely condemned military actions in Gaza while continuing to develop illegal settlements on the West Bank, in defiance of international law," Peters said.
He said recognition risked Hamas resisting negotiation in the belief it was winning the global propaganda war, while pushing Israel towards even more intransigent military positions.
"Recognition at this time, we also think, is open to political manipulation by both Hamas and Israel. Hamas will seek to portray our recognition of Palestine as a victory, as they have already done in response to partner announcements," Peters said.
"Israel will claim that recognition rewards Hamas and that it removes pressures on them to release hostages and agree to a ceasefire."
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters speaking at the United Nations General Assembly. Photo: RNZ/Anneke Smith
Peters said the government had "one opportunity" to recognise Palestinian statehood and it made better sense to do so once conditions offered great prospects for peace.
The government said it was looking for "real actions" towards the development of a fully viable and legitimate State of Palestine, including in the areas of governance, democracy and institution-building, rather than "rhetoric in that direction".
It was also looking for the release by Hamas of all hostages, followed by the group disbanding and disarming, and the renouncement of violence and terrorism by all Palestinian political leaders who have yet to do so.
A Cabinet minute shows the government acknowledged the Palestinian Authority exercised "some elements of de facto governance" in the West Bank, including policing, provision of basic service and conducting international relations.
"Our concern is not with the Palestinian Authority, which faces very difficult circumstances. We will continue to do our part to strengthen its capability," Peters said.
In the meantime, the government has committed a further $10m to international humanitarian partners to deliver emergency supplies into Gaza, bringing New Zealand's total contribution to $47.5m.
"New Zealand repeated our call for an immediate ceasefire; unfettered access for humanitarian supplies into Gaza; all sides to adhere to international law; a two-state solution as a result of a comprehensive political settlement; and an end by Israel to all illegal settlement activity and current military action."
He said New Zealand would continue to call out actions being taken by both Israel and Hamas which prolonged the conflict, prevented a political solution and sought to extinguish the viability of a Palestinian state.
"New Zealand has long been a staunch advocate of the two-state solution and a defender of Palestinians' right to self-determination.
"What is needed now more than ever is dialogue, diplomacy and leadership - not further conflict and extremism," he said.
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters speaking at the United Nations General Assembly. Photo: Supplied
'He failed'
Labour called it an "embarrassment".
"New Zealanders will feel let down by Christopher Luxon and his government today," Labour foreign affairs spokesperson Peeni Henare said.
"Luxon had a chance to stand up for what is right, but he failed. There is no two-state solution or enduring peace in the Middle East without recognition of Palestine as a state.
"We also need meaningful sanctions on Israel through cutting trade and economic ties, freezing assets, and implementing travel bans on named individuals as we have with Russia in response to the illegal invasion of Ukraine.
"The government also needs to make sure aid reaches those who need it. "We've watched an unfolding genocide on our screens for nearly two years. This government is failing to take any of the action required to help stop the atrocities and suffering of hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians in Gaza."
Henare said recognising Palestine would have sent a "clear message to Israel and the world: New Zealand will not stand by while Israel disregards human life and dignity, and international law."
He said Labour condemned Hamas' 2023 attack and called for the release of its hostages.
