New Zealand has decided against recognising the State of Palestine at this stage, with Foreign Minister Winston Peters reaffirming the country’s long-standing “when not if” position during his address to the UN General Assembly in New York.
Peters said the decision reflects current realities in the region, where Hamas remains the de facto authority in Gaza, violence continues, and there is no clear path forward.
“With a war raging, Hamas remaining the de facto government of Gaza, and no clarity on next steps, too many questions remain about the future State of Palestine for it to be prudent for New Zealand to announce recognition at this time.”
He warned that recognising Palestinian statehood prematurely could harden the positions of both Israel and Hamas, making a ceasefire and meaningful negotiations more difficult to achieve.
“Recognition at this time, we also think, is open to political manipulation by both Hamas and Israel. Hamas will seek to portray our recognition as a victory, while Israel will claim it rewards Hamas.”
New Zealand continues to support a two-state solution and Palestinians’ right to self-determination, but Peters stressed the need for “dialogue, diplomacy and leadership – not further conflict and extremism.”
He also voiced strong concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, condemning both Hamas’ hostage-taking and Israel’s “grossly disproportionate” military actions and illegal settlement activity in the West Bank.
To support urgent humanitarian needs, New Zealand announced an additional $10 million in funding to international partners delivering emergency supplies into Gaza, bringing its total contribution to $47.5 million.
Cabinet papers show Peters presented two options in August: immediate recognition of Palestine with conditions, or continuation of New Zealand’s current approach. Cabinet endorsed the latter on 15 September, with the decision confirmed by Peters and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon ahead of the UN Assembly.
Peters acknowledged the “good intentions” of countries that have recognised Palestine but argued New Zealand’s recognition should come at a time when it can make a tangible contribution to peace.
“We have one opportunity to recognise Palestinian statehood,” Peters said.
“It makes better sense to do so when the conditions offer the greatest prospects for peace.”
New Zealand’s position leaves it aligned with countries such as Singapore, Japan, South Korea and the United States, who have also held back from recognition.
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