Overview

• Foreign Minister Winston Peters told the UN General Assembly that recognition is not prudent during an active war and with Hamas running Gaza.
• Weighing ceasefire diplomacy, Peters warned recognition now could harden positions of Israel and Hamas.
• The government reaffirmed support for a two-state solution and framed recognition as a matter of timing rather than principle.
• Future recognition was tied to benchmarks including credible governance and institutions, release of hostages, Hamas disbanding and disarming, and a renunciation of violence by Palestinian leaders.
• New Zealand added NZ$10 million in humanitarian aid to Gaza, faces criticism from opposition parties, drew support from the NZ Jewish Council, and broke with partners like Australia, the UK, Canada and France; Peters said the US did not pressure Wellington.