Auckland: Foreign Minister Winston Peters has argued that the time is not right for New Zealand to recognise Palestine. He gave three reasons: escalation risks in Gaza, questions of statehood, and Hamas’ hostage-taking.

Critics say these claims are flawed. Israel had already killed over 65,000 Palestinians—mostly women and children—before recognition by countries like the UK, France, and Australia. Legal experts also confirm that Palestine meets flexible criteria for statehood under international law, despite Peters’ assertion.

On Hamas, Peters ignored reports that hostages were set to be released in Doha on 10 September in exchange for a ceasefire—a deal allegedly disrupted by Israeli airstrikes.

The ignored fourth reason

The Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ)

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