Asia Pacific Report
The Palestine Forum of New Zealand has called on the New Zealand government to follow France, the UK, Canada and nine other countries to impose restrictions on trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
Twelve countries have now announced measures targeting trade connected to Israeli settlements, signalling growing international concern over the continued expansion of settlements in occupied Palestinian territory.
However, both Australia and New Zealand failed to join the 12 countries in their ban.
- READ MORE: NZ joins call to end Israeli settlement expansion, but not import ban
- UK, France, Canada to ban imports from Israeli settlements — NZ critical but stops short of joining
- UK bans goods from Israeli West Bank settlements in ‘comprehensive reset’: What that really means
- Other Gaza, Palestine reports
“Where is New Zealand?” asked Maher Nazza, chair of the Palestine Forum, “Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank have expanded for decades, involving the transfer of Israeli civilians into occupied territory and the development of homes, businesses and infrastructure on land claimed by Palestinians.
“Settlement activity is not simply a political issue. It has significant economic dimensions. Goods produced in settlements enter international markets, while businesses and institutions can become connected to, and benefit from, settlement activity.”
Maher said in a statement New Zealand should not be importing or supporting an economic system that contributed to the entrenchment of settlements in occupied Palestinian territory.
“If the government is serious about international law, human rights and Palestinian self-determination, it must move from statements to action.”
Palestine Forum of New Zealand has called on the government to:
- Ban imports from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank;
- Prevent New Zealand companies and institutions from supporting or profiting from settlement activity;
- Review government procurement, investment and trade relationships linked to settlements; and
- Join international efforts to impose meaningful economic measures against the settlement enterprise.
Israel furious over new UK sanctions Video: Novara Media
Nazzal said the question for the New Zealand government was straightforward: “If France, the United Kingdom, Canada and other governments are prepared to take action, why isn’t New Zealand?
“New Zealand should not wait for others to act.”
He said that if 12 countries could take action, New Zealand could too.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters said in a statement the Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian Territories were a violation of international law and expanding those settlements undermined prospects for a two-state solution to the longstanding conflict.
“New Zealand strongly condemns violence by settlers against Palestinian civilians and calls for accountability for those responsible.”
The UK has announced sanctions on illegal Israeli settlements and says Palestinians face ‘ethnic cleansing’ in parts of the occupied West Bank. UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese calls it a ‘seismic shift’ after years of UK ‘complicity’, but says it is only the beginning. pic.twitter.com/b4Vh9e2vhx
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) September 8, 2026
In Australia, independent Senator David Pocock said it was really disappointing Australia had not joined the UK, France, Canada and others in expanding sanctions on the illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
“The UK PM was clear: this is about the unacceptable actions of the Israeli government, not the Israeli people and about refusing to just stand by and watch the horrors being perpetrated against Palestinians,” he said.
“Australia should show the same courage and stand for international law, Palestinian rights and a secure future for both peoples.”
UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese praised the UK government for announcing the sanctions on illegal Israeli settlements and saying Palestinians faced “ethnic cleansing” in parts of the occupied West Bank.
She described it as a “seismic shift” after years of UK “complicity”, but added it was only the beginning.
This content originally appeared on Asia Pacific Report and was authored by APR editor.