New Zealand's Prime Minister remarks on Netanyahu: "Lost sanity"
New Zealand Calls for Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza Conflict
New Zealand has taken a measured stance in the ongoing Gaza War, calling for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian access, and adherence to international law. The country's official position, as stated by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, strongly condemns the recent attacks in the Gaza Strip, deeming them "wholly unacceptable."
Luxon has expressed clear concerns over the suffering of civilians in Gaza, joining 27 other nations in condemning both Hamas’s detention of Israeli hostages and Israel’s policies causing civilian suffering. He emphasized that any forced displacement of people would be a violation of international law.
In a recent development, aid organizations have warned that a famine is looming in the Gaza Strip, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian aid and access. The New Zealand government, along with other international bodies, has urged compliance with international humanitarian law and diplomacy to end the conflict.
Despite public pressure and calls for stronger measures, including state recognition and sanctions, the New Zealand government has maintained a focus on diplomatic engagement rather than unilateral actions. This approach, while criticized by some advocacy groups and parts of the public as insufficient, reflects a desire to promote dialogue amid a complex and highly polarized conflict.
As of August 2025, New Zealand has not recognized a State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly as an independent state. The country maintains its longstanding policy of supporting a two-state solution achieved through negotiation. However, recent reports suggest that the New Zealand government is considering recognizing a State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced a new war plan to take the city of Gaza and dismantle Hamas in central refugee camps. Netanyahu's stated goal is not to occupy Gaza, but to liberate it from Hamas terrorists. However, Luxon has warned that such actions risk further catastrophes and could destroy the path to a two-state solution.
In a strong rebuke, Luxon told journalists that he thinks Netanyahu has lost his mind. He also expressed concerns over Netanyahu's war plan, stating that the annexation of Gaza, as suggested by the plan, would be a violation of international law.
Meanwhile, the governments of France, Canada, and Australia have already indicated plans to recognize a State of Palestine. As the international community continues to respond to the ongoing conflict, New Zealand stands firm in its commitment to clear values and expresses them loudly. The country's approach aims to promote dialogue and a negotiated two-state solution, reflecting a careful, measured position in a complex and polarized conflict.
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