New Zealand says it is not ‘prudent’ to recognise Palestinian state ‘at this time’
Why New Zealand won’t recognise a Palestinian state
- New Zealand has announced it will not recognise a Palestinian state "at this time", as stated by Foreign Minister Winston Peters.
- Mr Peters cited concerns that recognition now could complicate ceasefire negotiations and that too many questions remain about Palestine's future state.
- Prime Minister Christopher Luxon clarified that New Zealand is “neither pro-Palestine nor pro-Israel”, advocating for a two-state solution achieved through negotiation.
- This decision diverges from several allies, including Australia, Canada, and the UK, which formally recognised a Palestinian state last week.
- The move has drawn criticism from New Zealand's opposition Labour party, which deemed it "morally reprehensible", while the governing coalition defended it as an independent foreign policy.