NZ among 16 nations supporting Palestinian statehood — critics warn it rewards terror

New Zealand has joined a coordinated diplomatic statement with 15 other countries supporting the recognition of a Palestinian state as part of a renewed push for a two-state solution.

The joint declaration, signed by foreign ministers from countries including Australia, Canada, France, the UK, and Spain, calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and a political process leading to Palestinian statehood under a reformed Palestinian Authority.

The statement comes amid intensifying international debate over how to revive stalled peace efforts following the October 7 Hamas-led massacre in southern Israel, which killed approximately 1,200 people and triggered a war that continues to rage in Gaza. Since then, more than 30 nations have taken steps to recognise the State of Palestine, with additional moves anticipated ahead of the UN General Assembly in September.

While the joint statement stops short of immediate formal recognition, it encourages countries to consider the step and stresses the need for a coordinated approach to state-building and reform within the Palestinian leadership — excluding Hamas and ensuring that any future state recognises Israel’s right to exist.

Uneven Diplomatic Pressure Draws Criticism.

Some observers have raised concerns that the declaration places disproportionate diplomatic pressure on Israel while failing to hold Palestinian factions accountable for ongoing violence and rejectionism. Critics argue that the Palestinian Authority has not demonstrated the capacity or willingness to govern democratically or peacefully, and that Hamas retains significant control in Gaza, undermining any unified statehood project.

Questions have also been raised about whether recognition absent preconditions — such as verified democratic elections, disarmament of terrorist groups, and commitments to coexistence — would reward violence and entrench impunity rather than foster peace.

Role of UNRWA and the Aid Narrative

UN agencies, particularly UNRWA, have come under scrutiny amid accusations of politicisation, incitement, and enabling terror infrastructure. Israel has repeatedly accused the agency of complicity or negligence, while others point to a broader issue of aid mismanagement and obstruction, often blamed solely on Israeli restrictions despite complex realities on the ground.

Reports from the Kerem Shalom crossing and other entry points confirm that hundreds of trucks of aid continue to enter Gaza daily, though distribution remains deeply compromised due to insecurity, theft, and lack of oversight.

Global Momentum and Domestic Political Pressure

Countries such as France, Spain, and Ireland have already formally recognised Palestine. Others, including Canada, the UK, and Australia, have expressed intent to do so if certain conditions are met. Domestic political actors in New Zealand, including the Green Party and former Prime Minister Helen Clark, have urged the government to follow suit, warning that failure to do so could damage the country’s international standing.

However, others argue that such recognition is premature, given the absence of peace negotiations, the continued influence of terror groups, and the Palestinian Authority’s lack of reforms.

Strategic Risks of Premature Recognition

Analysts warn that without stringent conditions, recognition could embolden extremists, undercut moderate voices, and reduce incentives for meaningful negotiation. A Palestinian state established in the current environment could lack basic democratic legitimacy, remain fragmented between Gaza and the West Bank, and pose long-term security challenges for Israel and the region.

As global attention turns toward the upcoming UN General Assembly, debate continues over whether diplomatic pressure alone — without parallel demands for governance reform and deradicalisation — can lead to a sustainable resolution.