Summarised by Centrist
New Zealand has joined 23 countries – including the UK, France and Canada – in demanding that Israel immediately allow foreign aid into Gaza, as warnings mount of a humanitarian catastrophe.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters told RNZ’s Morning Report that the blockade had become “intolerable” and that Israel had gone “far too far” in its response to Hamas terrorism.
“We’ve had enough of this and we want the matter resolved—and now,” Peters said. “We are running out of patience and hearing excuses.”
Peters said the blockade had lasted for weeks, and aid should have resumed “a long time ago.”
He argued that aid must be delivered by the United Nations and said New Zealand opposed Israel’s expansion of military operations in Gaza.
“This is an appalling situation that started with unforgivable terrorism, but Israel has gone far too far,” Peters said.
Asked whether New Zealand would summon the Israeli ambassador, Peters dismissed the move as “symbolic” and ineffective: “That would not help starving babies.” He insisted Israel already knows where New Zealand stands.
Peters also said regional powers including Egypt, Indonesia, and the Palestinian Authority understand and support New Zealand’s position, which calls not just for urgent aid but also for progress toward a long-term resolution: “The Palestinians’ future alongside Israel has got to be resolved as well.”
