Gaza
Luxon tight-lipped on Palestine
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is staying tight lipped on whether New Zealand will follow its allies in recognising a Palestinian state this week.
Australia, the UK and Canada have now all formerly recognised a Palestinian state in a move borne out of frustration over the Gaza war.
Other nations, including France, are expected to follow suit this week at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned the move.
New Zealand has held off making any moves to date, with Cabinet instead opting to go through a weeks-long consultation and deliberation process before announcing its decision at UNGA.
But Foreign Minister Winston Peters is on his way to the UN General Assembly in New York, where he will soon announce New Zealand's position.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told Morning Report New Zealand's leaders had spoken to other global leaders about their decisions, and that recognising a Palestinian state was a matter of when not if.
"Well we think a two-state solution is the only way forward, we felt that since 1947, that's why we keep saying it's a question of when not if," he said.
"But the major issue, lets be clear about it, is irrespective of state recognition, what's going to change on the ground tomorrow and that is actually hamas releasing hostages, Israel allowing humanitarian aid, complying with the international law of protecting civilians and an immediate ceasefire.
"And extremist conversations on all sides of that is not helpful."
He said he wasn't worried about the US reaction if we were to recognise Palestine.
"We are making our own independent decision for us and the right decision for New Zealand," Luxon said.
When asked about recent comments from Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour in regards to Palestine, Luxon said he had spoken to Seymour.
"The bottom line is Winston speaks to our government," Luxon said.
He did not say whether he thought Seymour spoke out of line.
