New Zealand Foreign Minister: We Do Not Currently Recognize the State of Palestine

According to the English section of webangah News Agency,‌ citing Mehr News Agency and ⁢Ma’an, Winston Peters said during his address at the‌ UN General Assembly ⁣in New York that while New Zealand does not currently recognize⁤ the State ⁤of Palestine, it remains‍ committed to a two-state solution.

Peters added: ​”Given the ongoing⁣ war, Hamas ​continues to ‍be the de facto ​ruler of Gaza and⁣ the next steps are unclear. Ther remain many questions about the future of Palestine, making recognition by ⁢New Zealand at this time unwise.”

He continued: “We are also ⁣concerned that focusing ‍on recognition⁤ under ⁤current‌ circumstances could complicate efforts toward a ceasefire by pushing ⁤israel and Hamas toward⁤ more ⁢hardline stances.”

The report notes New Zealand’s position differs ‍from traditional partners Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom-all of which ⁢officially recognized‍ Palestine last Sunday. This move brought them alongside more than 140 other⁤ countries ​supporting Palestinian aspirations for an independent state.

The New Zealand government stated ⁢it hopes to recognize Palestine when conditions ⁣on the ground create greater opportunities for peace and negotiation than⁣ they⁣ do today.