Ministry Statements & Speeches:
President,
Our last Open Debate came at a critical juncture. A ceasefire deal had been reached in Gaza, under which the first hostage release had just taken place. We are deeply saddened that, three months later, the situation has gotten worse, not better.
We remain horrified by this conflict. Both sides have obligations they must meet.
Hamas must release the remaining hostages immediately. They have suffered an unimaginable ordeal for far too long. Hamas’ actions also reduce prospects for peace and are contrary to the interests of the Palestinian people, as evidenced by recent protests in Gaza.
Israel must return its focus to a political solution, starting with an immediate return to a ceasefire. New Zealand continues to unequivocally condemn the appalling 7 October attacks. But as we keep repeating, civilians in Gaza cannot continue to pay the price for this. We are gravely concerned by the renewed fighting.
No humanitarian aid is being allowed in. Humanitarian workers, including UN staff, have been killed despite their protected status under international law. We are far from where we were in January.
We call on the parties to recommit to the ceasefire deal. To repeat: civilians must be protected, hostages must be released, and there needs to be a rapid, unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
We are also extremely concerned about instability in the West Bank, fuelled by illegal settlement expansion, military activity, and governance challenges.
For decades, New Zealand has shared the international community’s view that the best path to peace is a two-state solution with recognised borders for both Israel and Palestine. We want to live in a world where Israelis and Palestinians can co-exist side-by-side in peace, security, and dignity. Israelis and Palestinians deserve to feel safe.
This is not about finding another technical solution. It is about finding the political will to implement the technical solution that already exists.
All parties should take meaningful steps towards a two-state solution to ensure a durable and lasting peace.
President,
We welcome the recent announcement that the United States will hold direct nuclear talks with Iran. This is an important step towards achieving a comprehensive outcome that promotes regional stability.
New Zealand is also pleased to see the Syrian interim authorities engaging positively with the international community. In the OPCW, the interim Foreign Minister recently spoke on Syria’s chemical weapons after 11 years of non-cooperation by the Assad regime. This was a historic moment.
While the interim authorities face a long road ahead, the Constitutional Declaration signed in March 2025 makes provisions for freedom of expression and religion, and women’s rights. We call for its full implementation and hope it will serve as a successful framework for a peaceful transition in Syria.
Thank you.