New Zealand Declines to Recognise Palestine

At the UN General Assembly, Foreign Minister Winston Peters said New Zealand remains committed to a two-state solution but will not yet recognise a State of Palestine, arguing that a war‑ravaged Gaza with Hamas as the de facto authority and unclear next steps could make recognition premature and risk complicating ceasefire efforts. The decision breaks with recent recognitions by the UK, Canada and Australia and leaves New Zealand among a shrinking group of holdouts, including the United States, Singapore, South Korea and several Pacific states, even as 157 UN members now recognise Palestine. The announcement provoked strong domestic backlash from opposition parties, civic groups and former prime minister Helen Clark, and prompted protests from Palestinian New Zealanders and clergy who said they felt betrayed. The government and Israel’s ambassador welcomed the hold, saying recognition could be exploited by Hamas. Analysts warned the stance risks damaging New Zealand’s international reputation given prior government statements that recognition was a matter of “when, not if,” and commentators said the move underscores the diplomatic tightrope and deep divisions at home and abroad over how to pursue a lasting peace.