Asia Pacific Report
The Palestine Forum (PFNZ) has challenged New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters over the country’s response to the Gaza as a test of commitment to international law, human rights and self-determination, saying “meaningful action” is needed now.
“Words alone do not end occupation,” said Maher Nazzal, chair of PFNZ.
“Statements alone do not stop settlement expansion. Humanitarian assistance alone does not deliver self-determination.
“And ‘when, not if’ is not a timetable.”
Nazzal said Peters had presented Palestinian statehood recognition as an example of New Zealand pursuing an “independent, multi-directional foreign policy” including where New Zealand has differed from some of its closest partners.
“Palestine is not a talking point or a diplomatic case study,” Nazzal said in a statement.
In 2025, New Zealand had decided not to recognise the State of Palestine, while several close partner countries, including Australia and the UK, had proceeded with recognition.
‘When, not if’
The NZ government had argued that recognition needed to make a “tangible contribution” to a lasting two-state solution.
“Now, in September 2026, Peters is again saying Palestinian statehood is a matter of ‘when, not if’.
“So when?” asked Nazzal.
He said Palestinians had waited generations for freedom, justice and self-determination.
“An independent foreign policy should not mean simply having the freedom to delay,” Nazzal said.
“It should mean having the courage to act according to principles — even when doing so is uncomfortable, politically difficult or inconvenient for powerful partners.
“New Zealand has repeatedly affirmed the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and support for a two-state solution.
Forum’s wish list
“If Palestinian statehood is genuinely a matter of ‘when, not if’, then Palestinians should not be expected to wait indefinitely for New Zealand to decide that the time is right.”
The Palestine Forum calls on New Zealand to:
- Recognise the State of Palestine without further unnecessary delay;
- Uphold international law consistently and without double standards;
- Strengthen accountability for violations of international humanitarian and human rights law;
- Take meaningful action against settlement expansion and settler violence;
- Ensure humanitarian assistance reaches Palestinians in need;
- Support Palestinian self-determination and political agency; and
- Use New Zealand’s diplomatic voice to pursue an end to the occupation and a just and lasting peace.”
This content originally appeared on Asia Pacific Report and was authored by APR editor.
APR editor | Radio Free (2026-09-23T06:34:01+00:00) Palestine advocacy group criticises NZ failure over Gaza human rights test. Retrieved from https://www.radiofree.org/2026/09/23/palestine-advocacy-group-criticises-nz-failure-over-gaza-human-rights-test/
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