New Zealand rejects Palestinian recognition

The Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) said it is regrettable that Australia needs to be “taught a lesson on foreign policy by our cousins across the pond” after New Zealand announced it will not recognise Palestine “at this time”.

NZ Foreign Minister Winston Peters told the UN General Assembly last Friday that 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”.

The decision put the country at odds with traditional allies including Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada.

“While our government has always defended its policy of recognising Palestine by pointing out that other democracies are doing it too, it is clear there is anything but unanimity on this issue,” ECAJ co-CEO Alex Ryvchin said.

“Leaving aside the firm opposition of the US, which is our most vital ally, the governments of New Zealand, Belgium, Singapore, Argentina and many others have shown a capacity for clear and independent thinking. New Zealand has rightly pointed out the madness of recognising a state while the war rages on.”