NZ to insist on peace before Palestinian Statehood

With this one simple statement, Peters has almost certainly secured my vote at the next election.

For the past few weeks I have had grave reservations about what I saw as the likelihood of New Zealand joining the vacuous virtue-signaling displayed by the UK, Canada and Australia – all which have ‘recognised’ a non-existent Palestinian State without any conditions around how such a State might operate and what their support might mean for the future of the terrorist organisation, Hamas. Indeed, I have criticised Peters based on his track record toward Israel since October 2023 and what I saw as his acquiescence to ‘policy capture’ by the ideologues at the NZ Ministry Affairs and Trade.

I was wrong.

Peters position is principled, sensible, and one which all New Zealanders can be proud of.

According to Peters, recognising Palestine now would:

▶️Risk being exploited by Hamas, which would claim it as a propaganda victory.
▶️Push Israel toward even more entrenched military positions.
▶️Serve as “little more than an existential act of defiance” rather than a constructive step toward peace.

He is absolutely correct on all counts.

New Zealand’s stance, instead, focuses on immediate humanitarian priorities: a ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and allowing aid into Gaza. He also confirmed a further financial contribution to support humanitarian relief and reiterated that “aid must flow and violence must cease.”

I may not agree with Peters on the cause of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza or the likelihood of a successful and peaceful Palestinian state ever being established – but no reasonable person could disagree with his overall position, which aligns with the cautious and principled approach of Singapore and Japan rather than the contrived approach of nations that see this issue as a way to bolster domestic political support. On that note, we would all do well to note the immediate and unprincipled whining from Labour and the Greens here in NZ following the announcement – a further confirmation of their complete lack of wisdom and a reminder that they can’t be allowed anywhere near the levers of power anytime soon.

In contrast to their hysterical objections, Peters has framed the decision as one of strategy, not sentiment, insisting that recognition must follow genuine steps toward peace – not precede them.

For that, he has the gratitude and respect of decent kiwis…..